Residents of Omikunle, Yemetu, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, were gripped with fear on Sunday after a suspected oil substance was discovered in their wells.
A resident, who asked to be anonymous, said, “This is the first time we are seeing anything like this. Some of the wells are over 20 years old, and we’ve been drinking from them. Now, the water is no longer safe.”
Another eyewitness added, “Security operatives have cordoned off the affected areas pending investigations by the State Ministries of Health, Environment, and Energy.”
In a statement released on Sunday, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed the discovery, describing the substance as suspected Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).
“On September 6, around 6:50 p.m., our Yemetu Division received a tip-off about a liquid in a local well,” the statement read.
“A team led by the Divisional Police Officer visited the site and found what is believed to be diesel. Some residents had already gathered with containers, seemingly intending to collect it.”
The police explained that the area had been secured to prevent further risk.
“Armed personnel from the Yemetu Division, alongside neighbourhood watch members, have cordoned off the site. The Oyo State Ministry of Environment has been invited to assist with the safe handling and disposal of the substance.”
According to the command, “Preliminary investigations suggest that the contamination may have come from a leaking Underground Storage Tank nearby.”
The police urged residents of Omikunle to remain calm and avoid using the contaminated wells until investigations are concluded.
The Oyo State Police Command assured that “the situation is under control, and the area has been secured to prevent further exposure,” adding that updates will be provided as more information emerges
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