By Maria Ifafesobi
Akure
Three forest operators have been killed by toxic waste from a Chinese manufacturing company, WeWood company, in Omotosho, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims, Mr. Monday Akinmusire 35; Mr. Samuel Louis,45; and a 19 years old Master Adebowale Ododolewa died last week in the forest reserve in after the chemical substances were discharged into the forest.
According to a family source, Akinmusire Emmanuel said that Mr. Louis was the one that hired the services of the two other men to help him cut down the trees and they headed to the forest last week but neither of them made it back alive.
Mr. Akinmusire said, that when they noticed that they stayed longer than usual, the situation was reported to the community head, Olufara of Akinfosile, Oba Olamide Ayodele, who with the help of the police, the Amotekun Corps, and the Vigilante organized a search party only to find their lifeless bodies covered with black substances on the flowing track of the toxic waste.
“The bodies of the victims were seen on the flowing track of the toxic waste which killed them instantly as there was no sign that they attempted to struggle with death,” he said.
The bodies of the victims were later deposited at a private morgue in Ore.
The youths of the community infuriated by this development and stormed the wood company to let their grievances known.
However, counsels to the deceased family J.I Adeyanju and Dayo Akindejoye who described the incidents as reckless, and irresponsible have petitioned the state government to investigate the matter.
They however promised to do all within their might to ensure that justice prevails.
The Ondo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Tee-Leo Ikoro, who confirmed the incident, described it as an accident and added that the victims’ families and the company are trying to reach a term.
Technocrat Media gathered that the forest reserve had earlier been leased by Ondo State Government to the Wewood Company, which produces cassava ethanol to clear and replant trees.
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