Ondo govt, police commence investigations as Akure residents choke under recurring offensive odour

Some residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have cried out for help over a “mysterious” gaseous emission, accompanied by a pungent and poisonous odour, sporadically released into the air.

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Reports from different parts of the town where the smell has been noticed indicated that the emission curiously occurs in the wee hours when residents are asleep.

Residents who perceived the smell reported that the emission, which slowly diffuses through windows, has suffocating properties, thereby aggravating the medical conditions of those with health challenges.

Although the residents started perceiving the odour about a month ago, the Ondo State Government and its relevant agencies have yet to properly designate the properties of the emission or pinpoint the its actual source. Complaints and enquiries from the residents have also remained largely unattended to.

Meanwhile, the suspicion that the emission could be a likely attack from mischief makers is gaining ascendancy given the choking effect of the smell.

A former Commissioner for Information in the state, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, who said she percieved the odour at about 12.30 a.m. on Saturday 3 October, suspected it was coming from a poisonous gas.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju, who resides in Alagbaka 2 area of the city, said she suffered a severe attack that night, noting that it was aggravated by her asthmatic condition.

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“It is a gas coming from somewhere. I have been noticing the odour for some time now, but the early hours of Saturday were particularly bad.

“I think it started around 12.30 a.m., I could not sleep through the night. By 2 a.m, I was choking. Being asthmatic, I used my inhaler, but the e inhaler did not work. I was miserable. Trying to close the windows and doors did not help. The gas only petered out at about 4 a.m.,” she said.

The former commissioner said the intensity of the smell could have killed a toddler suffering from the same medical condition.

She noted that speculations from the authorities that the odour could be emanating from organic materials may not be true, as organic materials could also be poisonous.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju warned that those releasing the poisonous gas could have sinister motives and could endanger the lives of the people, if nothing is done urgently to address the situation.

She further highlighted the curious coincidence of a similar occurrence in Ekiti which started in April this year, with reports that residents of Ado Ekiti are still being subjected to the same odour.

“This might be the work of terrorists, who might be testing things in the South-west region. It is happening in Ondo and Ekiti states at the same time,” she said.

Busuyi Mekusi, a professor of African Literature at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, told PREMIUM TIMES that despite the complaints more than a month ago, “the offensive odour is still there, but comes in scattered days and night hours.”

Mr Mekusi, who lives in Gloryland Community, Sango, off Ado Road, Akure, said he and members of his family are among the many residents going through the harrowing experience.

“The one for last night was mild, but last Saturday/Sunday was terribly awful, with suffocating effects,” he said.

“Closing windows did not help, and I had to wear a nose mask to ensure a little sleep. I always pity my wife, who is always worse hit, as she could not stand wearing a mask to sleep.

“I must confess to you, it is simply distressing, and I only hope it does not pose existential threats, even as we seem helpless.”

Moses Ozonuwe, a police officer, lives in Igoba, in Akure North Local Government Area. Although, he was recently transferred out of Akure, Mr Ozonuwe received a complaint from members of his family concerning the pungent smell.

“My people reported to me that the pungent smell is real, especially during the night,” he told this newspaper.

“Since it is predominantly strong mostly in the night, I have advised them to ensure that all windows and doors are properly closed.”

Meanwhile, residents have criticised the state government for its slow response to the situatiom, and called for urgent action in order to forestall epidemiological issues.

Preliminary findings by the government in its initial response ruled out the Ala River as the source of the emission, but it described the situation as “purely a case of air pollution arising from the release of certain organic compounds into the atmosphere.”

The state Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, in a statement, merely advised residents in affected areas to limit their exposure and wear nose masks while investigations continued.

On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said recently that the government had taken steps to clear the environment of any likely source of poisonous odours, and clearing of canals, assuring that the Akure environment is safe and clear enough for public safety.

He noted that if smells were still perceived anywhere, residents should check for dump sites and other likely sources of dirt for the purpose of clearing them.

“The government has taken steps to ensure a clean and safe environment,” Mr Ajanaku said. “We have also ensured that industries that could emit poisonous gases are not situated near residential areas of the city.”

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The state police command said it has commenced an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the emission just as it called for calm.

“The Ondo State Police Command is aware of complaints by residents of Akure concerning the offensive odour reportedly experienced in some parts of the city,” police spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, said.

“The command considers the situation a matter of public concern, particularly in view of its potential health and safety implications and has commenced an investigation in collaboration with relevant government agencies to ascertain its source and determine whether any criminal elements are involved.

“The command assures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. Residents are urged to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and promptly report any suspicious activities or useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation to the nearest police station.”