A suspected petroleum leak caused a stir in the Yemetu area of Ibadan as residents discovered a liquid substance, believed to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, trapped inside a local well.According to a statement issued on X by the Oyo State Police Command, the alert was received at approximately 6:50 PM on September 6, prompting immediate action by officers from the Yemetu Police Division.Led by the Divisional Police Officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, the team swiftly moved to the Omikunle area where the discovery was reported. On arrival, police officers identified the liquid suspected to be diesel within the well and observed a crowd of residents gathering nearby with containers, apparently intending to scoop the substance.Recognising the potential hazard, the police immediately cordoned off the area with support from armed personnel and members of the local neighbourhood watch.The Oyo State Ministry of Environment has since been notified and is working in collaboration with the police to safely handle and dispose of the substance.Preliminary findings point to a possible leakage from an underground storage tank in the vicinity, which may have contaminated the water source.Police officials have assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no immediate threat to residents in the area. An investigation is currently underway to determine the source of the leak and assess any environmental or health risks.”The Oyo State Police Command is fully committed to protecting the community,” the statement read. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.”Residents are advised to avoid contact with the substance and refrain from attempting to extract it from the well due to possible health and fire safety risks.
