By Obiabin Onukwugha
An environment-based organisation, Environmental Defenders Network [EDEN], has expressed serious concern over the recurring oil spills in Ogboinbiri Community, Apoi Clan, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State.
The organization has alleged in its recent report that the spillage which, it said, is a now s monthly affair since the last September, occurs at a facility operated by Oando PLC.
The reported, commissioned by the organisations Deputy Executive Director, Moris Alagoa, was made available to NatureNews in Bayelsa on Sunday, November 23.
EDEN noted that since the Nigerian Agip Oil Company [NAOC] divested its share in the Joint Venture 100 percent to Oando, the company’s Ogboinbiri/Tebidaba pipeline within Ogboinbiri community environment has experienced four spill incidents.
EDEN said the first occurred on 5th September, 2024 and, two incidents happened on 4th October, 2024, with the latest on 15th November, 2024.
The body said it got information about the latest spill from a contact in Ogboinbiri community on Wednesday, 20th November, 2024.
The report, which indicated that the latest spill was as a result of equipment failure, quoted community sources saying that the recent spill is massive and called for government intervention to stop the recurring oil spills in the area.
“Even though some photos relating to the current oil spill were received on 20th November, 2024 showing the excavated spill point exposing the ruptured section of the crude oil bearing pipeline, EDEN mobilized and visited the community the next day and was led to the site by community guides,” the report disclosed.
“Although when EDEN visited in October, 2024 the pipeline was submerged by the flood [crude oil on water]; during this visit on 21st November, 2024 there was no more water on the pipeline as the flood has receded,” EDEN recalled.
It, however, noted with concern: “Rather, crude oil was the only liquid substance seen on the pipeline and, more of it in the excavated portion.”
It said that while there was not much crude oil on the Apoi Creek, it was shocking to see some dead fish around the barge which carried the Swamp Buggy to excavate the spill point.
“While no cause of oil spill should be celebrated, it is important to note that three out of the four spills from 5th September to 15th November, 2024, are due to equipment failure while one was attributed to third-party interference.
The report therefore recommended, amongst others, that Oando should take immediate and adequate steps to clean up the present spill site and all previously impacted environments.
It also called on Oando to replace the aged oil bearing pipes within the environment to prevent these monthly oil spills and further environmental degradation