The Osun State Amotekun Corps has arrested more than 30 persons for allegedly dumping refuse on roads and in drainage channels across Osogbo and its environs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass, the Corps said the arrests were made during a midnight enforcement operation conducted in collaboration with environmental sanitation authorities.
“The operation forms part of efforts by the state government to tackle the persistent challenge of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the dumping of refuse on roads, streets and drainage channels, which can obstruct the free flow of rainwater and contribute to flooding and other environmental hazards.
“The enforcement followed the recent constitution of an Environmental Sanitation Task Force by the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
“The state government had warned residents against dumping refuse indiscriminately, particularly on roads and in drainage channels, and directed residents to comply with established waste disposal arrangements,” the statement said.
The arrested persons were handed over to environmental sanitation officers for further investigation and appropriate action in line with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the Corps Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, said the enforcement was necessary to curb the persistent practice of dumping refuse on roads and in drainage channels.
“Indiscriminate waste disposal becomes particularly dangerous during the rainy season, as refuse dumped in drainage channels can obstruct water flow, damage roads and create unhealthy conditions for residents,” he said.
Omoyele said the operation was not intended to inconvenience law-abiding residents but to ensure compliance with the state’s environmental sanitation directives and protect communities from the consequences of improper waste disposal.
He urged residents to make use of the waste collection arrangements provided by the state government.
“Residents are encouraged to properly package their waste and hand it over to designated waste collectors rather than disposing of it in unauthorised locations,” he said.
The commander warned that the Amotekun Corps would continue to support environmental sanitation officials in enforcing the government’s directives.
He also called on residents, business owners and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government in maintaining a clean environment and preventing the blockage of drainage systems across the state.
