* Safe substance decontamination, evacuation underway- Govt
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Niger State government has allayed fears on chemical substance that has spilled in Bida area of the state explaining that it does not pose hazard to human health.
In a statement issued in Minna, the state Ministry of Health clarified the substance may not pose any serious health hazards to human or animals alike.
“The Niger State Government has noticed with concern the circulation of misleading information and false claims on social media regarding the chemical spill incident in Low-Cost area of Bida Local Government Area. The government wishes to clarify that reports alleging massive fatalities, children vomiting blood, widespread contamination of over 500 homes, and other alarming claims are completely false and should be disregarded”.
According to the ministry, government, through the relevant agencies, is taking proactive measures to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of residents.
“From the preliminary qualitative analysis conducted in a competent laboratory, the liquid chemical substance is basic, non-viscos, non-volatile and non-polar substance. Its odour is mild and it is non-corrosive. The substance is part of the raw materials used in producing house hold items like paints, deodorants, sprays, insecticides and so on”.
As part of the response, the ministry said the affected area has been immediately sealed to prevent unauthorized access and protect residents from possible exposure, adding that ” members of the public, especially those within the vicinity, are advised to stay away from the area and avoid trespassing”.
“The Niger State Ministry of Environment & Climate Change and the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NiSEPA) are leading the remediation process, including the safe decontamination and evacuation of the chemical materials. Preliminary assessment indicates that the substance is less harmful, but all necessary safety precautions are being observed”, the statement said.
According to the statement,
the Niger State Ministry of Health has commenced contact tracing and health monitoring of nearby communities and individuals who may have been exposed to the substance.
It urged residents within the affected area to cooperate with health officials for proper assessment and necessary support, adding that so far no reported case of individuals or those on admissions at any nearby hospitals of patients with symptoms suggestive of adverse effects following exposure to the chemical spillage in the last few days.
“Residents are urged not to spread unverified information capable of creating unnecessary fear and panic. The public should rely only on confirmed information from government authorities”, the ministry said.
