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The Ogun State Government said it has commenced an independent and comprehensive health audit of residents in the Ogijo community, Sagamu Local Government Area, following confirmation of lead poisoning concerns.

The move comes months after the government sealed seven used battery recycling facilities in November 2025 over alleged culpability in environmental contamination.

Authorities also announced a temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation pending the outcome of a full investigation into the reported pollution.

The intervention followed an on-the-spot inspection led by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, after a viral video sparked fears of possible exposure to lead in the community.

Subsequent measures included environmental audits and regulatory reviews aimed at safeguarding public health and restoring public confidence.

At a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ologijo’s Palace, the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, announced that the health audit had begun after blood samples were collected from more than 500 scientifically selected residents to determine their blood lead levels.

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She explained that global attention generated by reports from international media organisations placed the community under intense scrutiny, necessitating a deliberate government response.

“Shortly after the reports emerged, both the ministries of health and environment visited the communities to allay fears and outline a clear monitoring, evaluation, and response framework,” Coker said.

She added that the Ministry of Environment proceeded with environmental assessments following the closure of companies considered to pose potential risks.

According to her, Governor Dapo Abiodun directed that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research be engaged to independently conduct the study to ensure transparency and credibility.

“We have ensured that NIMR is working independently to deliver unbiased results, and once the report is received, appropriate recommendations will be submitted to the governor for necessary action,” she said.

She further disclosed that NIMR began fieldwork last week, collecting over 500 blood samples using a stratified scientific methodology that covered individuals — pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, and other residents — previously identified with elevated lead levels, within mapped areas.

While noting that some previously sealed facilities had been reopened after compliance reviews, Coker said the Ministry of Health would introduce a monitoring protocol requiring periodic blood lead level testing for workers in the affected industries.

She reassured residents and traditional authorities that the government remains committed to their welfare and would continue community engagement to develop sustainable solutions based on the audit’s outcome.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMR, Oladipo Obafunwa, said a professional team was deployed to carry out the exercise in line with established scientific standards.

He noted that the sampling process was designed to ensure representation of vulnerable groups, adding that laboratory analysis would be conducted with the highest level of integrity and findings presented objectively.

Speaking on behalf of residents, the traditional ruler, Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, commended the government for its prompt intervention and transparent engagement.

The Plateau State Police Command has provided an update on the recent night attacks on Jol community and Dorowa Babuje of Ropp District in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, as affected communities begin preparations to bury victims of the violence.

Speaking off camera to Channels Television correspondent, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Eteh, confirmed that security operatives swiftly moved into the areas after distress calls were received and worked in collaboration with other security agencies to repel the attackers and restore calm.

The CP disclosed that reports from his DPO indicated that four persons were killed, while several others sustained injuries during the attacks.

He added that the police have continued to maintain a strong security presence in the affected communities to protect lives and property and to ensure that normalcy is fully restored.

Earlier accounts by community leaders had put the casualty figure higher following the coordinated attacks, which occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m on Sunday.

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The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYMA), Barrister Solomon Dalyop, had said the attackers struck Jol and Dorowa Babuje from different routes, alleging that armed men rode into Jol on motorcycles from the Manga axis, while those who attacked Dorowa Babuje emerged from the Jong-Wereh area, where they were believed to have been camping.

Dalyop commended the military for what he described as a swift response in Dorowa Babuje, noting that the intervention prevented further loss of lives.

He also acknowledged the role of Operation Rainbow in repelling the attack on Jol community.

The Kaduna State Police Command says it neutralised several suspected bandits during intelligence-led clearance operations across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas of the state in February 2026.

Addressing journalists in Kaduna, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the operations targeted identified bandits’ camps and criminal hideouts.

Several camps were dislodged during gun battles, with some suspected bandits neutralised, while others reportedly escaped with injuries. Police also apprehended suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks.

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Muhammad disclosed that suspected notorious bandits and five alleged gunrunners were arrested during the operations. Items recovered include three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one submachine gun, two pistols, four locally made pistols and a large quantity of hard drugs.

Earlier, on February 17, police operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted three suspects — Peter Pama, Saleh Monday and Sunday Makama — at Kasuwan Magani over an alleged illegal arms transaction. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.

In a separate operation on February 20 at about 9:00 p.m., detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Adamu Aminu of Jaji Town in Igabi Local Government Area.

The suspect was allegedly found with six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines and a pair of black Wellco boots. Another suspect, Abubakar Hassan of Unguwar Rogo in Jos North, was also arrested in connection with the case.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, allegedly fueling criminal activities within and outside Kaduna State. The Command added that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.