The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has confirmed an oil spill incident that occurred on October 3 at Peremabiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Mr. Michael Adande, a spokesperson for SPDC, confirmed on Friday that a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) is currently underway to assess the cause and extent of the oil discharge.
Adande stated, “A government-led joint investigation team is currently on a visit to the site of the incident to determine the cause and the impact of the incident.”
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Peremabiri have appealed to government authorities at all levels to urge SPDC to promptly initiate a cleanup operation at the site of the oil spill.
The leak occurred at the Diebu Creek Flow station, which is operated by SPDC in Peremabiri. The incident led to an as-yet-undetermined volume of crude oil spilling into adjacent areas of the community and the Nun River.
Mr. Alagoa Morris, the Programme Manager for Environmental Right Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), expressed concern that the oil leak has caused significant pollution of the ecosystem, particularly impacting the farming and fishing communities along the banks of the River Nun.
Morris, who also serves as the Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Environment, lauded the peaceful response of the affected individuals.
He urged regulatory agencies to ensure that SPDC promptly initiates the necessary cleanup process to mitigate the economic and health challenges facing the indigenous people of Peremabiri Community.
Mrs. Yenimi Timipre, a farmer affected by the spill, described how her fishing gear had been tainted by the crude oil, rendering it unusable. Additionally, the Deputy Woman Leader of Peremabiri Community, Mrs. Favour Morgan, emphasized that the oil spill has devastated their fishing equipment, traps, and crops. The contamination has affected the entire aquatic environment, leading to a demand for assistance and relief for local farmers and fishermen.
“This oil spill has left the Peremabiri people in despair. Our livelihoods depend on farming and fishing, and the toxic oil from Shell’s oil field has damaged our sources of livelihood. We are helpless and urgently need intervention in the form of relief and support for farmers and fishermen,” said Morgan.
credit: PM News
