The Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWMA) enforcement team, has arrested a man seen in a viral video discharging liquid waste with an offensive odour into a stream in the Bashiri area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
A statement from the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko- Ajisafe made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti said “following swift action by the Ministry’s enforcement team, the perpetrator was apprehended, and his vehicle impounded.”
She said the suspect claimed during interrogation that he was discharging dirty water, not sewage, into the stream
The Commissioner announced that in order to prevent any potential health hazards from the dumped waste, the samples from the affected site have been taken to analyze the chemical and microbiological material contained in material discharged in the stream while the entire area will the thoroughly fumigated to safeguard the health and well-being of residents in the area.
She said thorough investigations involving officials of her Ministry and the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority was ongoing to prevent future occurrences and maintain a cleaner, safer environment in Ekiti State
The Commissioner who emphasized that the state government has zero tolerance for illegal waste handling and disposal stressed that the offender would would soon be prosecuted
“The law will take its full course. Acts like this endanger public health and the environment. We must protect our communities,” she said.
Erelu Aluko-Ajisafe urged residents to remain vigilant and report any acts of environmental violation to the appropriate authorities.
She encouraged the public to continue “blowing the whistle” on activities that threaten environmental safety.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
