In Côte d’Ivoire’s Lakota department, toxic products were reportedly dumped into a section of the river between Tagoberi and Kokolilié, causing a mass die-off of fish species.

The sub-prefect of Niambézaria, Marius Behira, issued a press release warning residents to avoid consuming water and fish from the contaminated river.

Authorities are investigating the incident, as concerns grow about the environmental and health impacts on the affected communities.