N’Delta communities raise fresh concerns over oil spills, gas leaks

Communities in the Niger Delta, affected by ongoing oil spills and gas leaks, have expressed growing concerns over a potential rise in unusual deaths and health issues among their residents. Drawing from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, participants at the second edition of the People’s Environmental Assembly, also known as Eco-Festival, lamented the environmental and social consequences of oil exploration in the region.

The event, organized by environmental rights group We the People, aimed to draw attention to the detrimental effects of oil activities on the Niger Delta communities. Residents highlighted the degradation of their environment, impact on fishing and farming, and limited access to safe water and natural resources. Moreover, they cited instances of unusual illnesses and deaths, demanding urgent investigations and environmental remediation.

Precious Ibegwura, a resident from Erema Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, described the community's struggle as a "community of tears" due to extensive environmental degradation caused by oil pollution. Ibegwura demanded accountability from the oil companies, stating that justice must be served.

Similarly, Mitema Suoye George from Otuabagi Community in Bayelsa State highlighted the negative impact of pollution on the community's fishing activities and rising health concerns, particularly among women experiencing early menstruation cessation and reported cases of cancer. Warda Nebani Beryamon, a former youth leader in Ikarama Community, Bayelsa State, emphasized the severity of oil pollution, claiming that the area had experienced numerous oil spills and highest number of such incidents in Nigeria.

Beryamon called for tangible results from repeated visits by government agencies, expressing concern over the ongoing issue of cancer and other health challenges in the community. Pastor Timothy Agumbiade, representing the Bille Kingdom Youth Federation in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, raised concerns over gas emissions, recurring oil spills, and the lack of progress despite multiple visits by government agencies.

He also reported a fatal explosion in July, which claimed the life of a woman, alleging that the hospital failed to provide adequate care. Agumbiade expressed his own health concerns due to gas emissions, including skin rashes and eye problems, and urged authorities to take action to protect residents from further environmental and health risks.

Ken Henshaw, the convener of We the People, noted that more than seven decades of oil exploration and production had led to a persistent environmental crisis in the Niger Delta. He called for a comprehensive environmental audit to determine the extent of damage, identify responsible parties, and outline the necessary steps towards remediation and ecological justice.

Henshaw emphasized the importance of the Eco-Festival in strengthening public engagement and collective action to address environmental degradation in the region, hoping that subsequent editions would lead to increased accountability.