The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of a liquid substance suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, in a well at Omikunle, Yemetu area of Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command said the incident was first reported to the Yemetu Police Division at about 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, September 6.
A team led by the Divisional Police Officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, immediately visited the scene and found the well filled with the suspected petroleum product.
Police noted that several residents had gathered with containers, apparently preparing to scoop the liquid, before officers secured the area with armed personnel and members of the local neighborhood watch.
The statement explained that the Oyo State Ministry of Environment has been contacted to ensure safe handling and disposal of the substance.
According to preliminary investigations, the contamination may have resulted from a leakage in a nearby underground storage tank.
“As of now, the situation in the area is calm, and our investigation is underway. The Oyo State Police Command is fully committed to protecting the community, and we will keep you updated as we learn more,” the statement said.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.