By Obiabin Onukwugha
Residents of Okuntu and neighboring coastline communities in Burutu local government area of Delta State, are lamenting the impact of a massive oil pollution ravaging the Forcados area.
NatureNews gathered that the spill was as a result of fire that started since July 18 this year on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility owned by Brittina-U Nigeria Limited, at Ajakpa Field, OML 90.
Community sources who spoke on the incident have called for immediate remediation steps as their lives have been negatively impacted.
Chairman of Okuntu Community, Mofort Mebilaje, who spoke on the incident, stated that fire broke out on the 18th of July 2024 from the facility which is owned by Brittina-U Nigeria, and caused crude oil and other chemicals to drift ashore, polluting the coastline of Okuntu and other communities.
He revealed that the incident have prevented the people, who are predominantly fisherfolks and farmers from from carrying out their economic activities, thereby causing hunger and starvation.
He added that the community had tried to escalate the issue to the company without any response.
Mofort called on the federal and state governments to intervene on the issue and prevail on the company to constitute a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the community to determine the level of pollution and to send relief materials to the community.
A fisherwoman from the community, who identified herself as Baby Oziye, also lamented that several persons are now hospitalized after drinking the water, following the pollution caused by the spill.
Another resident, Akin Ayigo who also spoke on the issue lamented that neither the company nor government agencies has taken any step to remedy the spill.
He added that fishing boats are afraid to go close to the polluted area due to the high level of chemical concentration.
He called on the relevant agencies to swiftly take action so as to salvage the community from the impacts.
Reacting, environmental groups have called on the government at all levels and the relevant agencies to be proactive towards issues concerning environmental pollution and oil spills in the Niger Delta region.
Executive Director of Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), Benin Richard, faulted the Federal Government, Delta State Ministry of Environment, and the Commissioner for Environment for their failure to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident or issue a statement regarding this environmental disaster in Okuntu.
He described the incident as an assault on the community and her ecosystem, stressing that it is imperative for relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this situation.
“We demand a comprehensive assessment, prompt cleanup, and adequate compensation for those affected. The government must take responsibility for ensuring the well-being of its citizens and the protection of the environment. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for justice and relief for the people of Odimodi (Beniboye), Okuntu, Ogulagha and adjoining communities.” he said.
On his part, the Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network, Chima Williams, stated that the neglect of the local communities in relation to environmental pollution has become one too many in the Niger Delta.
He stressed that such neglect by the relevant agencies has driven communities in the Niger Delta into deep levels of poverty, as the people rely on their environment for survival.
Williams also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to immediately swing into action, and to compel the polluting company to clean up the polluted environment around Okuntu and other communities.