Southern Ijaw LG chairman visits oil spill site at Obololi

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) on Wednesday bemoaned the adverse impact of an oil leak at the Obololi axis in his domain.

Segibo said that the spill emanated from an oil asset operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), and noted that the pollution was massive.

He regretted that SPDC has not been forthcoming in addressing challenges faced by its host communities.

He addressed chiefs and people of the Obololi Community after an on-the-spot assessment of the oil spill from the company’s facility at Obololi.

Segibo expressed shock at the level of devastation in the Obololi community, stating that the only source from which the people get water for drinking, cooking and washing has been heavily polluted.

He explained that the oil leakage which occurred on Sunday was traced to the rupture of the average underwater pipeline laid in 1973.

The chairman lamented the neglect of the people by SPDC since the company laid its pipe and commenced operation there in 1973.

He noted that the people of Obololi have been exposed to environmental degradation, economic hardship, and several health problems including cholera, loss of biodiversity, soil and water contamination, air pollution, reduced tourism, and displaced residents.

Segibo said that Southern Ijaw LGA will urgently provide an alternative water supply to the area to alleviate their suffering.

He called on the people of Obololi to avoid drinking and cooking from water drawn from the creek there to avoid water-borne diseases.

He urged the people, particularly the adults to sensitize the youths to heed the caution to save lives.

In his response, deputy paramount ruler of Obololi, His Highness Wilfred Kueke intimated to the Council Chairman of the age-long devastations the community has suffered since SPDC started its operations there in 1973.

The Community leader decried the refusal of SPDC and its contractors to provide social amenities in the community, including healthcare services, water as well as Community-Company relationship.

Also speaking, a representative of the women, Ebiware Ikuromo while narrating her deep feelings, lamented the loss of aquatic lives and what she described as the recalcitrant attitude of SPDC concerning its relationship with the host community.

She noted that several people, particularly children who have been infested with ailments through drinking from the contaminated creek since there is no alternative, are presently admitted to various health facilities outside Obololi.

The people called on Gov. Douye Diri and Segibo to swing into action by sending health personnel, drugs, relief materials and water to reduce their hardship.

A spokesman for SPDC who was contacted for a response on the reported leak and pollution incident pleaded to revert soon.