By Capital Watch Media
Residents of the Yakoyo community in the Ojodu Abiodun area of Ifo Local Government, Ogun State, have called on the state government to relocate a dumpsite they claim poses serious health and security risks.
The dumpsite, located within a residential area, has reportedly become a haven for criminal activities and a source of environmental pollution.
Community members say the situation has worsened over time despite repeated appeals for intervention.
During a visit newsmen, it was observed that the dump had partially blocked a section of the community’s drainage system, leading to frequent flooding during the rainy season.
A resident, Jide Olaniran, expressed his concerns over the site’s health implications and its use by miscreants.
“This dumpsite is becoming a major problem for us. The odour is unbearable, and I fear it could lead to serious health issues,” Olaniran said.
He added that some individuals posing as cart pushers had turned the site into a hideout.
“They sleep there and engage in illegal activities like drug peddling and smoking. Their presence is a security threat to everyone living here,” he stated.
Efforts to resolve the situation through local government authorities have reportedly yielded no results. Olaniran urged the state government to intervene before conditions deteriorate further.
“We have written several letters to the Ifo LGA, but nothing has been done. We are now appealing directly to the state government,” he added.
Another resident, Chief Olatunde Onipede, corroborated Olaniran’s account and accused some individuals of colluding with waste collectors to sustain the site’s operations.
“This dump wasn’t here before. We believe some people are working with these cart pushers to keep dumping refuse here,” Onipede alleged.
He noted that a nearby church and several homes were severely affected by flooding due to blocked drainage.
“Whenever it rains heavily, water can’t flow, and it floods homes around the area,” he said.
When contacted, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, acknowledged the proliferation of illegal dumpsites across the state and assured residents that action would be taken.
“We are aware of the situation in Yakoyo and other areas. The problem lies in the current state of our waste management system, but we are working to address this,” Oresanya said.
The commissioner confirmed that the government plans to close the site.
“We will close down this illegal dump and others like it as part of our broader waste management strategy,” he added.
Community leaders have welcomed the government’s assurance but remain concerned about the timeline for action.
“We hope this promise translates into swift action because the health and safety of our people are at risk,” Onipede said.
Residents continue to call for an urgent and permanent solution to the waste management issue.
They also urged increased security measures to address the rise in criminal activities around the site.
As the state government works towards implementing its waste management reforms, Yakoyo residents remain hopeful that their long-standing grievances will soon be resolved.
