The Oyo State Police Command has raised an alarm after a liquid substance suspected of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, was found trapped in a well at the Omikunle area of Yemetu, Ibadan.

In a statement released on Sunday, the command said the incident was reported to the Yemetu Divisional Police Headquarters at about 6:50 p.m. on Saturday.

“On the evening of September 6, at around 6:50 PM, the Yemetu Division received a tip-off about liquids found in a local well. Promptly, a team led by the Divisional Police Officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, responded to the scene to investigate further,” the statement read in part.

According to the police, the operatives discovered a lubricant suspected to be diesel, which may have leaked from an underground storage tank nearby inside the well upon their arrival, with residents already gathering to scoop the substance.

The police added that the area had since been secured to prevent any possible health or security hazards.

Residents of Omikunle in Ibadan's Yemetu area remain curious about the diesel contamination in a local well. They flocked to the site to understand what might have caused it. Security personnel have cordoned off the area and sealed the well pending further investigation.

CBI News reports that the Omikunle compound in Yemetu, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria has turned into a hotspot for curious residents following the unexpected discovery of diesel in a well. Many locals appear intrigued, with some seemingly hopeful about potential implications. However, the origin of the diesel remains a mystery, not just to the community but also to authorities. The area is currently sealed off, with security personnel stationed there pending investigations.

Residents say they are still in awe of the situation since it was discovered a few days ago.

The police, in their initial report, suggested that the fuel may have leaked from an underground storage tank. However, officials from the Ministry of Environment have taken samples of the substance and are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, a major area of suspicion is a mast located beside the house, which may have been the source of the leakage. However, representatives of the Ministry of Environment said they are not ready to speak until the facts are confirmed.

Right here in Omikunle, Yemetu area of Ibadan,

While the authorities say preliminary checks point to a leakage from a nearby underground tank, the bigger concern here for residents is safety.

(1) Fatima Gafar, Resident.

I sent my child to fetch water from the well, and we retrieved the key to access it. However, as we drew water, we were shocked to discover it was diesel, not water, that came out. Consequently, the well was locked, and we've prohibited anyone from fetching from it since then.

(2) Bukola Olakunle, Yemetu Resident.

As tenants, we observed that the tap water was impure, leading us to suspect someone might have contaminated the well. We noticed this unusual water quality around 7 am. By afternoon, a crowd had gathered, and the police were present, responding to the incident.