Following a report by Ekid People’s Union, signed by the President General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak and addressed to the Ministry of Environment over the severe environmental damage by toxic gas emission in Ikot Okudom, Okon, Eket Local Government, and ill-sited factories in Okon, the ministry in response delegated a team of environmental health officers which were received by the Council Chairman to inspect the damaged site.

The chairman in his magnanimity gave cash palliative to the widow whose farmland and source of livelihood was destroyed by the emission assuring that further steps will be taken over the incident.

Although earlier plan was to inspect the site affected by the toxic emission from the suspected illegal cable melting factory, the Chairman being informed of other ill-sited factories considered it a case of public urgent importance to investigate the illegal factories.

The team uncovered two illegal fake drinks producing factories, arresting 2 suspects, one Esther married to Joseph Ogolo the proprietor of the factory from Anambra State, Ebenebe LGA who said that she only supports the husband in the business, and Daniel Okoye another kingpin producer from Abia State. Already produced fake wines and soft drinks were ready for distribution into the market.

Earlier, the team lead of Environmental Health, Ministry of Environment Sanitarian Michael Effiong, said that more analysis will be made to establish the actual cause of the damages to the farmland and that the matter will be charged to Court for redress.