Akure Residents Seek Help Over Bad Smell as Investigations Begin

Some people in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, are asking for help due to a strange gas release. This gas comes with a strong and harmful smell that fills the air at night.

Reports show that the smell happens mostly in the early hours when people are asleep. Residents say the gas seeps in through windows and makes it hard for those with health problems to breathe.

Though people started noticing the smell about a month ago, the Ondo State Government has not been able to find out what it is or where it comes from. Many complaints from residents have not received proper attention.

There are fears that this smell might be a deliberate attack because of how choking it is. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, a former Commissioner for Information in the state, reported that she smelled the gas at around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3. She believes it is some kind of poisonous gas.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju, who lives in the Alagbaka 2 area, said the smell caused her serious problems that night due to her asthma. "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."

She continued, "I think it started around 12:30 a.m. I could not sleep through the night. By 2 a.m., I was choking. I used my inhaler, but it did not help. I was miserable. Closing the windows and doors did not work. The gas only faded away at about 4 a.m."

Mrs Ademola-Olateju warned that the strong smell could even harm a small child with the same health issues. She doubts the government’s claim that the smell is from organic materials since such materials can also be harmful.

She raised concerns that whoever is releasing this gas might have bad intentions and could put lives at risk if the problem is not addressed quickly. She also pointed out that a similar issue started in Ekiti in April this year, where residents of Ado Ekiti are still facing the same smell.

"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 from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, told PREMIUM TIMES that despite complaints for more than a month, "the offensive odour is still there, but comes in scattered days and night hours."

Mr Mekusi, who lives in Gloryland Community, Sango, said he and his family are also suffering from this problem. "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 get some sleep. I feel sorry for my wife, who suffers more because she cannot sleep with a mask on. I must say, it is very distressing, and I hope it does not lead to serious dangers, even as we seem helpless."

Moses Ozonuwe, a police officer living in Igoba, Akure North, said he heard complaints from his family about the bad smell even though he has been transferred out of Akure. "My people reported to me that the pungent smell is real, especially during the night," he said.

He added, "Since it is mostly strong at night, I have told them to keep all windows and doors closed properly."

Residents are unhappy with the state government for not acting quickly enough and are calling for urgent action to prevent health issues. Initial findings by the government ruled out the Ala River as the source of the smell. They said it is a case of air pollution caused by certain organic compounds.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, advised residents in affected areas to limit their exposure and wear masks while investigations continue. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the government is working to clear the environment of anything that could cause bad smells. He assured that Akure is safe enough for the public.

He noted that if residents still smell anything, they should check for dump sites and other sources of dirt that might need cleaning. "The government has taken steps to ensure a clean and safe environment," Mr Ajanaku said. "We have also made sure that industries that could release harmful gases are not close to residential areas."

The state police command has started an investigation to find out more about the emission and has asked people to stay 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.

He added, "The command sees this situation as a public concern, especially because of its possible health and safety risks, and has started an investigation with relevant government agencies to find its source and see if any criminal elements are involved. The command assures the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property. Residents should remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station."