Fresh oil spill rages at Ahoada, threatens environment in Rivers

…Group raises alarm, points to likely third party action

Fresh oil spill is said to be raging at a location in the Ahoada area of Rivers State.

The spill is said to be oozing from two points in Akinima town in Ahoada West LGA in a facility believed to be owned by Oando.

The spillage, said to have occurred on Monday from a six-inch pipeline. The spill is said to be still flowing, with the affected area yet to be clamped.

The incident is collaborated by officials from the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria).

Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, said the organisation received a distressing report from youths under the auspices of their Crude Oil Spill Alert System (COSAS) of the Youth Volunteers Network in Akinima, about a fresh oil spillage from an OANDO pipeline.

Read also: Group raises alarm over surge in oil spill in Niger Delta

Details are not yet out as of the time of filing this report, but YEAC said the incident was a stark reminder of the recurring oil spillage issues plaguing the environment and communities in the Niger Delta.

“We condemn this act of alleged vandalism and urge the relevant authorities especially the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and OANDO, the facility operator to take immediate action to contain the spill and prevent further damage to the ecosystem.

“The continuous oil spillage in our region is not only detrimental to the fragile environment but also poses a significant threat to the health and livelihood of the local communities”, it noted.

The group, which has one million youths under its surveillance, reiterated its call on OANDO and the regulatory agencies, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to immediately carry out a joint investigation visit to the spillage site in Akinima; immediately clamp the pipeline to stop further spillage; and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the spillage.

YEAC called on the authorities to invoke relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021; and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

The group not only promised to continue monitoring the situation but also pledged to advocate the rights of the affected community while the perpetrators should be brought to book if the JIV report confirms third party interference.

Calls have continued on the Federal Government to launch another oil clean up scheme of the Niger Delta region, comprising nine States. Sources estimated that the exercise would cost not less than $12 billion.

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