Residents of Ifelagba community in Sobi, Alagbado, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, have raised alarms over the discovery of oil spillage in four wells and a borehole within the area.

Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Honourable Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, led a joint inspection team from her ministry and the Ministry of Environment to assess the situation. She assured residents of the state government's commitment to swift and decisive action.

Hon. Damilola emphasized that the government would conduct comprehensive geological and environmental assessments to verify the spill's extent, quantify the contamination, and evaluate its impact on public health, safety, and potential future exploration activities.

She also stressed the importance of collaboration with the community and pledged to engage relevant federal agencies for technical assessments and further discussions on how best to manage and develop the area responsibly.

Similar, the Commissioner for Ministry of Environment, Hajia Nafisat Bugge, represented by Head of Department Pollution Control, Alabelewe Saadudeen promised to carryout necessary investigations to detect the cause of the Oil spillage in the Community.

Speaking earlier during the inspection, the Chairman of the community, Alhaji Ajadi AbdulAzeez, expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Government for the prompt response. He welcomed the Honourable Commissioner and her team and highlighted the alarming discovery of oil in major wells and boreholes across the community, which has led to water contamination and scarcity.

Following the inspection, Hon. Damilola issued an immediate directive for the temporary closure of the Rainoil Filling Station located along Lare-Gada, Sobi Road, Ilorin, pending further investigation into the situation.

Alhaji AbdulAzeez further explained that the substance discovered during recent water retrieval efforts had the distinct appearance and odor of petroleum, raising significant concerns about environmental safety.