Nathan Nwakamma
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.
NAN
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