Investigate Ondo toxic incident thoroughly, group tells police

The authorities of Ondo/ Linyi Industrial Hub has called for proper investigation of the cause of the death of three persons allegedly linked to toxic waste in the Omotosho forest reserve in Ondo State.

Three persons- Akinmusire Monday (35), Samuel Louis (45), and Ododolewa Adebowale (19), all residents of Akinfosile in Okitipupa local government area of the state, were last weekend reported to the police in Ondo, to have allegedly died from toxic waste complications.

Speaking with journalists in Akure on Monday, chairman of the industrial hub, Alex Ajipe said it was imperative for the police to conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Ajipe noted that the police should be allowed to carry out appropriate investigation, including autopsy on the bodies of the dead, to ascertain whether they died from issues relating to toxic wastes in a forest.

“While we appreciate the Nigeria Police for their prompt action, we urge them to do a thorough investigation of the incident and come out with the facts,” he said.

Ajipe noted that all industries within the industrial hub were complying with the rules and regulations on the environment as provided for by the law.

“I am stating here categorically that none of the companies here can dare to do what runs contrary to the dictates of our laws in this country.

“Their operation is in tandem with international standards. We ( management) personally invited all industrial unions to organise their various members in companies within the industrial hub.”