The Oyo State government has refuted social media claims that crude oil was found in a well in Yemetu, Ibadan. The well was actually contaminated by diesel, the government said.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, quoted findings from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources after a three-day investigation triggered by a petition lodged on September 8. About 250 litres of the substance were recovered, and residents were provided potable water.
Officials also inspected a telecom mast located less than three meters from the affected well but found no connection between it and the contamination. The state government said it has dispatched accredited waste contractors to treat and dispose of the diesel, and the well will undergo natural remediation.
As a response to the incident, the Oyo State Water Corporation delivered 5,000 litres of safe water to those affected. The government called for restraint from residents and rare spreading of unverified claims that could cause panic.
