Massive crude oil spill hits Bayelsa community

The Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Hon Target  Segibo has decried the massive crude oil leak at the riverside Obololi community axis of his domain. It was learned that the spill, which occured on Sunday, emanated from a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC. Segibo, who visited the area said the impact of the spill on the environment was massive. He condemned what he described as the reactive attitude of the company in addressing challenges faced by its host communities. Addressing the chiefs and people of Obololi community, Segibo, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Timifa Leghemo, expressed shock at the level of devastation, noting, “the only source from which the people get water for drinking, cooking and washing has been heavily polluted.”
He said that the oil leakage which occurred on Sunday was traced to rupture of the over-aged underwater pipeline. The chairman lamented the neglect of the people by SPDC since the company laid its pipe and commenced operation in the area in 1973. According to him, “the people of Obololi has been exposed to environmental damage, economic hardship, several health problems including cholera, loss of aquatic lives, soil and water contamination, air pollution, reduced tourism, displaced residents as well as increased poverty and cultural heritage.” He, however, assured the people of Obololi that “the council will urgently install water to alleviate their sufferings.” Segibo called on the people to avoid drinking and cooking from water drawn from the creek there to avoid water-borne diseases.
In his remarks, deputy paramount ruler of Obololi, His Highness Wilfred Kueke intimated the council boss of the age-long devastations the community has suffered since the company started its operations there in 1973. Also speaking, a representative of the women, Ebiware Ikuromo lamented the loss of aquatic lives and what she described as the recalcitrant attitude of the company concerning its relationship with the host community. The people of the community called on the authorities to swing into action by sending health personnel, drugs, relief materials and water to reduce their suffering. Contacted for response on the reported leak and pollution, a Spokesman for SPDC promised to get back but had yet to as at the time of filing the report.