In a swift response to a trending social media video report where the Epe Tilapia Fish Farmers, under the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement, and Livelihood Improvement Support Project of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, raised an alarm over sudden and massive death of their rearing tilapia fishes – alleged to be as a result of ongoing dredging activities by Rencon Limited close to their fish ponds – today, Sunday, March 17, 2024, officials from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) visited the Cottage Fish Processing Center, Ebute Afuye Cluster, Epe, Lagos.
The team, led by the Director of Zonal Directorates, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, conducted a preliminary investigation into what could have caused the sudden death of thousands of caged Tilapia fishes in their ponds.
For proper scientific analysis, the following samples were taken for laboratory analysis to help unravel the real cause of the death of the species: soil sediments from six different points on the lagoon including the dredging area, lagoon water from six different points, three live fishes from the ponds, well water used by the community for cooking and drinking, sample from the borehole donated to the community by Rencon Limited, as well as a sample from the borehole used by the military men in the lagoon environment.
All these samples have been taken to LASEPA’s certified laboratory for further scientific analysis and investigation.
Other departments involved in the preliminary investigation include Laboratory Services, Land and Water Pollution Control, Natural Resources, and Epe Zonal Directorate.
Dr Ajayi, who received the team on arrival, and sympathised with the fish farmers.
He assured that necessary actions would be taken to avert future losses.
“We will work tirelessly to minimize incidents like this and implement measures to safeguard the interests and environment of Lagosians.”
Dr. Steven Adesemoye is a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and a contributor to Freelanews.com, writing on media, communication, education, and public affairs.
