The Oyo State Government has refuted viral claims on social media that crude oil was discovered in a well at Yemetu, Ibadan, clarifying that investigations showed the substance was diesel.
The clarification was issued on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources after a three-day probe was carried out in response to a petition on suspected water pollution at Yemetu Igosun.
According to the Ministry, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, findings revealed that a well, which had supplied clean water to residents for nearly two decades, was suddenly contaminated with diesel that completely covered its surface.
Security operatives later recovered about 250 litres of the substance.
Investigators also inspected a nearby telephone mast located less than three metres from the affected well but found no evidence linking the facility to the contamination.
Eyewitnesses reported that the pollution occurred within six hours, sparking suspicion of foul play within the community, which has a history of unrest.
To mitigate the impact, the Oyo State Water Corporation supplied 5,000 litres of potable water to the affected household.
Accredited waste contractors also evacuated the contaminated water for treatment and disposal, while the well undergoes natural remediation.
The government further directed owners of the telephone mast to provide a borehole for the community as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The statement noted that security agencies have also been tasked with intensifying investigations into the incident.
Reassuring the public, the Oyo State Government emphasised its commitment to safeguarding lives, public health, and the environment, cautioning residents against spreading unverified or sensational reports that could incite fear and social unrest.
