Substance(s) suspected to be toxic waste dumped in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State is currently generating a lot of tension in the area. The dumps, numbering about 140, have left residents fearing the unknown.
The situation in the area degenerated, following reports that three lorries conveying susbstances suspected to be toxic waste were uncovered and arrested in Ogwashi-Uku few weeks ago, by security agents. The substances were reportedly dumped in the bush and residential area(s) along the Ogwashi-Uku/Kwale highway and the perpetrators were arrested by community leaders and the police in Olosa-Ossissa axis of the highway, Ndokwa East Local Government of the State.
Police sources said upon interrogation, the suspects’ claimed to have been working for an oil exploration and production company operating in the area.
Leadership Friday understands that the toxic waste was dumped between Ogwashi-Uku axis and Obetin, before Kwale.
Expectedly, the Ndokwa East Coastal Towns and Communities Consultation Forum (NECTCCF) has petitioned the federal and the state governments to prevail on the oil companies allegedly perpetrating responsible for the dumping to evacuate the substance and save the people from negative impacts of the deposits.
President of the forum,Engr. George Bucknor, who led a team of Journalists to the toxic waste dump sites, however called on the NNPC to direct the operators in the area(s) to, not only dispose of their wastes properly, but also commence immediate evacuation of the waste from the area.
Police spokesman in the state, ASP lucky Uyabeme, said that the suspected “waste” was still in custody of the police in Ogwashi-Uku.
