From Moshood Karim
Residents of Okhoro in Benin City, within the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, have raised urgent concerns over dangerous air pollution emanating from Iyayi Factory, which they claim is causing serious health hazards in the community. The residents have issued a call for immediate action from the Edo State government to address the environmental and health risks posed by the factory.
According to reports from the affected residents, Iyayi Factory, located on Okhoro Road, has been emitting toxic and hazardous fumes into the surrounding area, including Medical Stores Road and other nearby residential zones. The emissions, which are especially prevalent during the night, are described as causing significant breathing difficulties and disrupting the sleep of residents. These fumes are characterised as “poisonous” and “dangerous,” with many locals expressing their growing concern over the long-term health consequences.
A number of residents have voiced their alarm over the lack of action, despite repeated complaints to relevant authorities. “Caesar Iyayi has been causing serious poisonous and dangerous air pollution to the entire Okhoro, Medical Stores Road and its environs from his Iyayi Factory. The fumes are so severe that it’s difficult to breathe properly, especially at night,” said one local resident, stressing the distress the pollution is causing to both children and adults in the area.
Omobude Left Agho, coordinator of the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDO-CSO), confirmed that the issue has been reported to the Ministry of Environment in the past, but no effective action has been taken. “This issue was raised with the Ministry of Environment some time ago, but it was compromised without any significant progress. Instead, those who reported the problem have faced threats and ridicule from the factory’s owner and staff,” Agho stated.
The residents are particularly concerned about the potential long-term health risks, with some even fearing an impending environmental disaster. “Before an epidemic explodes or people start dying from the effects of this pollution, we appeal to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to urgently intervene and bring safety to the countless victims of this poisonous attack,” Agho pleaded.
The call for action comes as the situation continues to worsen, with residents describing the pollution as an escalating crisis that is affecting their daily lives. The community is pleading for the Edo State government to take swift and decisive action to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people living in the affected areas.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Edo State Ministry of Environment or the State government regarding the issue, but the residents remain hopeful that the Governor will prioritise their safety and take necessary steps to resolve the matter.
Residents demand that the factory be held accountable for its actions and that measures be implemented to prevent further harm to the community.
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