Residents of Ondo State have raised the alarm over persistent “offensive odour” in the state capital, Akure, expressing concern that the development could pose serious risks to their health and the environment.

‎The residents, who spoke with the Nation on Saturday, said the odour has become unbearable and potentially hazardous to health forcing them to close their windows and avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors.

‎They revealed that the smell, which pervades their environment during the early hours of the day, affects communities like Oba-Ile, Shagari, Onigari, Ijoka, Alagbaka, Oda road and several neighbourhoods in the capital city of Akure.

‎One of the residents, Iyabo Adebisi, a civil servant in one of the government ministry, said, “The smell has become disturbing. Sometimes, you cannot stay outside comfortably because of the intensity of the odour. We are worried about what we may be inhaling.”

‎Also, an Artisan in Ijoka axis of the Akure South Local Government Area, Abiodun Adedotun, urged the government to intervene immediately in the interest of the residents.

‎An Epidemiologist in the state, Dr Daniel Olaniyi, noted that the offensive odour has also renewed calls for closer monitoring of industrial activities, waste disposal, open burning and other activities capable of contributing to air pollution across the state.

‎Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Environment in the State, Hon. Tob Loko said most of the affected areas are currently under surveillance.

‎Loko explained that preliminary investigations carried out by the ministry showed that the offensive odour is linked to the illegal discharge of untreated effluent and other hazardous waste into a stream flowing from Ijapo Estate through Edo Lodge and Fiwasaye to the area behind El-Shaddai Residential Estate, Alagbaka, Akure.

‎According to him, the unlawful act has resulted in severe environmental pollution and poses a serious threat to public health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of residents.

‎”It is also a clear violation of the environmental sanitation and pollution control laws of Ondo State,” he said.

‎Loko further revealed that the ministry has constituted a high-powered investigative team to identify the exact source of the illegal effluent discharge.

‎”While efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible, members of the public are urged to remain calm and vigilant.

‎”Residents are also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activities, illegal waste disposal, or environmental violations to the Ondo State Ministry of Environment for immediate investigation and necessary action,” he added. (The Nation)

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