By Abdullahi lukman
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has strongly condemned the environmental devastation caused by a recent oil spill in the Obololi community of Southern Ijaw Local Council of the state.
The spill, believed to have occurred due to a malfunction in an operational facility run by an International Oil Company (IOC), has sparked alarm over the health and safety of the local population, as well as significant concerns about the long-term ecological impact.
The spill has raised grave fears, with reports indicating that the contamination has polluted nearby water sources and affected the surrounding environment.
During a visit to the affected area, Governor Diri, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben Ololo issued a stern warning to local residents about the dangers of using contaminated water for daily activities.
He advised against drinking, cooking, or washing with the polluted water, as prolonged exposure to such contaminants could lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases like cholera and other diseases spread through polluted air and water.
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Governor Diri has called on the oil company responsible for the spill to take immediate, effective measures to address the crisis.
He urged the company to provide relief materials to the affected communities and to carry out a comprehensive cleanup of the spill site, adhering to international environmental standards.
Furthermore, the governor emphasized that fair compensation must be provided to the residents who have been directly impacted by the spill, acknowledging the disruption to their daily lives and the potential long-term health risks they face.
The Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Council, Target Isaiah Segibo, also spoke out, highlighting the community’s enduring patience in dealing with the oil industry’s operations over the decades.
He said since the IOC began its operations in 1973, the people of Obololi and other surrounding communities have had to endure a lack of essential infrastructure and basic amenities, despite the environmental and social impacts associated with oil extraction in the region.
Speaking on behalf the Fonibiri community, Festus Daumiebin expressed gratitude for the governor’s approval of significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of a vital 13-kilometer road linking Angiama, Eniwari, and Fonibiri to other parts of the state.
