Oyo seals two houses, marks seven others after child’s death

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has sealed two houses and marked seven others with caution tape following the reported death of a child allegedly linked to poor sanitation and a collapsed septic tank at Onireke, Ekotedo area, around the Queen Cinema axis of Ibadan.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by officials of the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources after the ministry received an emergency report concerning a collapsed septic tank at one of the properties in the community.

Officials who visited the area discovered that the septic tank had caved in and was filled with water, raising concerns about the safety of residents and the structural condition of the affected building.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honorable Ademola Aderinto, described the reported death of the child as unfortunate and preventable.

Aderinto said the condition of the affected property was dangerous, noting that water had accumulated beneath the building’s foundation and could compromise its structural integrity.

He said the situation necessitated the sealing of the affected properties and other hazard-prevention measures to protect residents and prevent further incidents.

The commissioner warned property owners against violating environmental and safety regulations, stressing that those found culpable would face appropriate legal action. He also urged residents to promptly report dangerous environmental conditions to relevant government authorities rather than ignore them.

The state government said the enforcement action was part of measures to address environmental hazards and safeguard lives and property in the affected community.