Residents on Wednesday reported a massive oil leak in Ekole
Creek around Agbura and Otuokpoti communities in Ogbia and Yenagoa local
government Areas of Bayelsa.
They said the spill resulting from the leak from an oilfield
operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) destroyed farmlands and aquatic
lives in the communities.
Community residents said that crude oil deposits from the
spillage which measured about five centimeter thick on the surface of the
water.
The incident attracted residents who trooped out to scoop
the flowing crude oil.
A resident of Otuokpoti community , Mrs Cecilia Osain said
the spillage has negatively affected fishing activities in the river.
According to her, those who went fishing came back with no
catch as the crude oil has compelled the fishes , crayfish and shrimps away
into the high seas beyond the reach of artisanal fishermen.
Osain ,who also scooped the crude said, bathing in the river
is no longer safe for residents as those who did complained of itching all over
their bodies.
She said that the community relied on the creek for water
for drinking and domestic use.
Meanwhile, the people of Otuokpoti community have appealed
to the government of Bayelsa s to provide relief materials to ameliorate the
plight of the people.
In a letter signed by the Paramount ruler,Chief Cousin Wongo
and Chairman, Community Development Committee, Hon. Simpson Isikpi, the
community noted that the spillage which polluted the entire river.
According to the letter, the incident has negatively
affected the economic life of the people as the river serves as a major source
of income to members of the community.
“We cannot drink water , we cannot bathe in the river, our
aquatic life such as fish and animals are dying. We appeal to the relevant
authorities to come to our aid” the letter read in part.
They also appealed for the immediate cleanup of the river to
enable the people resume their fishing activities.
Speaking in the same vein, spokesperson of the youth wing of
the Ogbia Brotherhood, Comrade Lamawal Wilfred called on operators affected
pipeline to send experts to ascertain the cause of the leak.
He urged NAOC to
prevent further pollution of the river which serves as their major source of
water.
When our Correspondent visited the community, residents were
seen scooping crude into containers, while the whole air was polluted from the
gas from crude oil.
Officials of NAOC declined comments when contacted for
comments.
Mr Filippo Cotalinni, Media Relations Manager, at Eni,
parent company of NAOC has yet to respond to a request for comments on the
incident.
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