This is following the alleged dumping of highly toxic waste substances by the Ebenco Global Links Llimited, a firm operating an integrated waste management facility in the town.
The fear is further aggregated by a recall of the ugly 1988 incidence in which highly toxic substances said to have been generated in Italy were reportedly deposited in the town, with the huge consequences of monumental environmental degradation and health hazards that still leave sour feelings in the minds of those who witnessed the situations about three decades ago.
One of the suspected toxic waste sights in Koko community.
Irked by the looming tension in the area, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. John Nani recently visited the area to have a first hand assessment of the suspected toxic waste and ascertain its inherent potential threat to the ordinary citizens who, often than, bear the negative consequences of such inadequacies.
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Nani who was accompanied by the Edo/Delta zonal Comptroller of the Nigeria Custom Service, Barr. Ona Eboma and the Warri North Local Government Chairman, Mr. Eyituoyor Maku disclosed that stakeholders in the area, including the state government have expressed deep concerns over the series of threat alerts that have been sent by residents of the area since the ugly site was first noticed.
But the company's head of operation, Dr. Francis Akintunde dismissed insinuations that the substance contains toxins as earlier reported in some sections of the media and alleged by residents of the town.
Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. John Nani (Right) discussing with stakeholders during his visit to the alleged toxic dump site in Koko community.
Akintunde specifically argued that as against media claims, the waste is the by-product of oil companies which is being deposited for proper management by the Ebenco Global Links Limited.
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He added that for a fairly long period, the company has established a good public reputation, integrity and confidence in the business of waste management.
The Operations Head also claimed that it manages waste for the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) and other big oil companies in Nigeria, insisting that the waste is not harmful as portrayed by the media.
Another site in the area.
However, Nani said samples of the substance have been collected for laboratory analysis, the result of which, he said, will be made public for the interest of all.
"Our visit is coming on the heels of an alleged importation of industrial toxic wastes to the ancient town to be manage by the company. This has caused apprehension on the mind of all stakeholders and thus, there was the urgent need to effectively manage the situation for the benefit of Deltans", Nani said while inspecting the substance.
He urged residents of the town and its environ to remain calm, assuring that genuine efforts will be made to pay adequate attention to their health and other pressing issues.
On his part, Eboma said that the substance was not imported as claimed by some residents of the town, adding that it is only through a laboratory analysis that the alleged toxicity of the susbance can be ascertained.
Meanwhile, a centenarian and several others recently escaped death by whiskers as rain storm devastated no fewer than 50 buildings and several economic valuables at Obiaruku community.
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