Not less than 4,000 environmental violators have been arrested by the Oyo State Environmental Task Force, according to the data provided by its Chairman, DCP Ojomo Francis.
During the trial of the few offenders in Ibadan on Wednesday, DCP Ojomo said that some of the defendants were ordered to perform community service while others were required to pay fines.
DCP Ojomo disclosed that approximately N30 million had been paid into the Oyo State Government's coffers by various offenders during the time under review.
Ojomo, who also serves as the Waste Enforcement Officer, asked people to abide by state environmental regulations.
He added that Item 11 of the UN places a high priority on sanitation and a sustainable environment and that doing this will maintain the society's health and sense of neighborliness.
As the TASKFORCE is keeping an eye on everyone, he urged Nigerians, especially those in Oyo State, to pay attention to cleaning their surroundings.
The Director of Civil Protection also reaffirmed the Oyo State Government's dedication to preserving a secure and healthy environment.
Ojomo said, "This is not the first time we have requested that the public abide by our environmental rules in order to maintain social harmony and good health.
"Item 11, of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations places premium on sanitation and sustainable environment. We do not need to attend any formal school to take care of our environment in our own interest".
In a related development, the Oyo State Environmental Protection Tribunal, on Wednesday, convicted five offenders for violating environmental laws in the state.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Jubreel Kareem, while speaking with journalists, disclosed that during monitoring in Ibadan, the five offenders were arrested.
He said two of the offenders, Olanrewaju Deola and Funmilayo Ayoola were found disposing wastes illegally at unauthorized place, they also failed to provide a standard refuse drum contrary to Oyo State Environmental Laws, 2013.
The persons admitted to have committed the offences and were convicted to three months of imprisonment or an option of fines of N5000, N2500, N2500, each.
Another offender, Olabisi Olatunde who was caught at Preboyes, along UI-Bodija dumping refuse on the median pleaded guilty. The tribunal thereafter fined her N7, 500.
In the same vein, John Blessing and Ali Sumaiya were caught illegally displaying goods by road side at Mokola.
The Tribunal ruled that this is against Section 2 sub-section 14 of the Oyo State Waste Management Law of 2014 and thereafter fined them 2500 each.
The head of the Tribunal further warned the offenders not violate environmental laws of the State henceforth, saying this will serve as a lesson to them and others.
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