People living in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, are calling on the government to find and stop a foul smell that has plagued the city for over five weeks. Many are reporting health issues, including breathing difficulties, sore throats, and headaches, prompting concerns about the long-term impact on public health.
Critics, including lawyer Oloroogun Sola Ajisafe and analyst Wale Obanigba, have slammed the administration for its slow and vague response. While the state government claims that preliminary studies have ruled out the Ala River as the cause and suggests the issue is linked to organic air compounds, residents argue that this explanation lacks necessary scientific detail and urgency.
Dr. Tob Loko, the Commissioner for Environment, stated that a team of experts is currently working to identify the origin of the pollution. He encouraged citizens to wear masks, report illegal dumping, and remain calm. However, activists are pushing for more transparency, demanding that the government publish air quality data and involve researchers from local institutions like the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the University of Medical Sciences to resolve the crisis quickly.
