As part of the initiative to curb illegal mining in Ogun, the state government has embarked on the erection of sign posts in strategic locations to warn the perpetrators.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Bimbo Ashiru, made this known in Abeokuta on Friday at the flag-off of the project.

He said that government resolved to take the step to create more awareness about the devastating effects of illegal mining.

He recalled that many states in the country had experienced flooding and some other environmental challenges in 2012 due to the illegal activities.

Ashiru said that the measure became necessary in order to sensitise the people about the negative effect of illegal mining.

The commissioner warned that anyone caught involving in the illegal act after the exercise would be dealt with accordignly.

He said that the plea of ignorance would no longer be an excuse.

"When people are arrested for engaging in illegal mining, they normally plead ignorance.

"Meanwhile, there are some existing laws regulating mining activities which all operators are expected to comply with.

"With what we are doing now, enough awareness would have been created and nobody could claim ignorance again," Ashiru said.

Speaking on the recent suspension of dredging activities in the state, the commissioner explained that only the state government had the right to embark on dredging.

According to him, government has sought and obtained the license from the Federal Government,

He pointed out that anyone who had interest in dredging within the state had to obtain approval from the state government.

NAN