- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Police Command has discovered a local well containing Automatic Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, in Ibadan, the state’s capital.
As contained in a statement issued on the Command’s official X handle on Sunday, the well was discovered yesterday at Omikunle area of Yemetu in Ibadan.
The Command had in reaction to a tip-off over the well had mobilised its operatives to the location.
Preliminary investigation confirmed the liquid in the well to be diesel with an indication of a potential leakage from a nearby Underground Storage Tank, which may have caused the well to fill with the substance.
The Oyo Police allayed residents’ concern while disclosing that effort is ongoing in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Environment for the safe handling and disposal of the hazardous material.
The statement read; “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to share an important update regarding a potentially hazardous substance discovered in a well in the Omikunle area of Yemetu, Ibadan.
“On the evening of September 6, at around 6:50 PM, the Yemetu Division received a tip-off about liquids found in a local well. Promptly, a team led by the Divisional Police Officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, responded to the scene to investigate further.
“Upon their arrival, officers identified a lubricant believed to be Automotive Gas Oil (commonly known as diesel) present in the well.
“They noticed that many local residents had gathered nearby with containers, seemingly planning to collect the substance.
“In response to this situation, the area has been secured by armed personnel from the Yemetu Division and local neighborhood watch members.
“We’ve also involved the Oyo State Ministry of Environment to assist with the safe handling and disposal of this hazardous material.
“Preliminary investigations indicate a potential leakage from a nearby Underground Storage Tank, which may have caused the well to fill with this liquid.
“As of now, the situation in the area is calm, and our investigation is underway.
“The Oyo State Police Command is fully committed to protecting the community, and we will keep you updated as we learn more.
“We encourage everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the police.”