Ondo police investigate recurring offensive odour reported by Akure residents

Ondo police say they have begun investigating a recurring offensive odour reported in parts of Akure, working with government agencies to establish its source and whether any criminal activity is involved.

Residents described a smell that reaches homes at night and causes breathing discomfort. The source of the emission has not been established.

Premium Times reported accounts from residents in Alagbaka, Sango and Igoba, alongside responses from state officials and police. Some residents said they had noticed the smell intermittently for about a month.

Former Ondo Information Commissioner Bamidele Ademola-Olateju told the newspaper that she experienced a particularly severe episode early on October 3 at her home in Alagbaka 2. She said it aggravated her asthma and that closing the doors and windows did not bring relief.

Busuyi Mekusi, a professor at Adekunle Ajasin University who lives in the Gloryland community off Ado Road, also described repeated night-time episodes affecting his household.

The state government’s preliminary response described the problem as air pollution linked to organic compounds and ruled out the Ala River as the source. Those were the government’s findings, not a confirmed identification of the substance.

Environment Commissioner Tob Loko advised residents in affected areas to limit exposure and wear nose masks while investigations continued. Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku said the government had cleared canals and other possible sources of offensive smells.

Police spokesperson Jimoh Abayomi urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and report suspicious activity or useful information to the nearest police station.

Source: Premium Times