- ERA/FoEN Reacts As Residents Lament Spill
Several communities in Bayelsa state have been flooded with crude oil following a massive oil spill alleged to have been recorded on a facility operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).
The incident occurred early Sunday, 29th November, 2020, in Ogboinbiri and Keme-ebiama communities located in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state, leading to the flooding of the area including Apoi Creek.
Sources told The New Diplomat late Sunday that the spill has spread to downstream communities like Keme-ebiama, Kokologbene, Apoi, and Gbaraun.
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The cause of spill was yet to be established as of the time of this reporting, however, Agip has one of its flowstations at Ogboinbiri community where the fresh crude has flooded.
The massive spill has further imperilled residents already suffering from decades of oil despoliation in their communities.
Following the disturbing spill, an entire river located in the deep creek of Southern Ijaw was said to have been covered with crude.
One source said “members of the communities are lamenting because that’s the only source of water both for bathing and cooking. How will they bath today, tomorrow and the coming days?”
Reacting to the spill, Alagoa Morris, Head, Yenogoa Office, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth (ERA/FoEN) noted: “It is important that Agip and regulators swing into action to contain the spreading crude oil, stop the leak and follow up immediately with cleanup after jiv to determine cause of spill and other details.”
ERA/FoEN added that members of its team will visit the ravaged communities and the Agip facility that has allegedly spilled its content in the course of the week to get testimonies from members of the communities and assess the level of damage.
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