By Obiabin Onukwugha
An oil spill has occurred at an Oando pipeline along Ogboinbiri/Tebidaba community, Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State.
This oil spill was disclosed in a field report by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), released at weekend.
According to the report made available to NatureNews by EDEN’s Deputy Executive Director, Morris Alagoa, the Ogboinbiri/Tebidaba pipeline, which was previously operated by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NOAC/ENI, before it was divested to Oando in August this month, had previously recorded several oil spills.
The report stated that the oil spill occurred on 5th September, 2024; spewing about 217 barrels of crude oil into the swampy environment.
The body stated that its findings revealed that the spill is as a result of equipment failure and a rupture at 6 0’Clock position directly under the pipe.
EDEN’s report also said it was alerted by the people of Keme-ebiama community on the 5th of September, 2024, but a visit to the site revealed the oil spill occurred in Ogboinbiri environment.
It quoted community sources and stakeholders, who stated that previous oil spills in the community were rather set ablaze instead of clean up and remediation.
Two of the community sources, Maxwell Oseke, and Ikainka Genesis, a fish farmer stated that the current oil spill has spread far into the swamp; outside the right of way of the oil company as a result of the rains that was the crude further into the swamp. They described the setting ablaze of crude as is injustice to their environment and humanity.
The Paramount ruler of the community, HRH Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, who also spoke to the EDEN team, said his community has been experiencing consistent oil spill cases.
He lamented that the the spill has spread more than 200 meters away from the Oando pipeline Right Of Way and it is still extending into the swamp/forest, which means that immediately there is a rainfall; all the ponds, lakes and rivulets would be polluted.
“Those are the areas that we get the prawn, fish and others from. So, as it stands it means that by January next year we would not be having fish from the ponds and the lakes; that’s what it means.
“So, I want to call on them to, immediately come and do a comprehensive cleanup because as we speak now ponds, lakes, and creeks are already affected because the spill is spreading,’’ the paramount ruler said.
The report noted that it is common knowledge that Ogboinbiri community environment has experienced several oil spill incidents over the years; just as routine gas flaring has continued on daily basis nonstop.
The report indicated that during the visit to the spill site, the charred remains of tree trunks and dark patches of roasted soil of previous spills set ablaze were obviously telling the sad environmental testimony of the operations of NAOC and now OANDO.
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“During EDEN’s visit on 10th September, 2024 crude oil was seen spreading in the environment; going over 200 meters into the swamp. Community folks informed EDEN that some of their fish ponds have been impacted by the crude oil.
“With the observed spreading of crude oil in the swampy environment, unless urgent steps are taken by Oando; much more areas would be affected especially as we are heading deeper into the rainy season and flood levels are expected to rise. The flood would aid the spread of crude oil in the swamp.
“Incidentally, EDEN didn’t find any materials of measure taken by Oando to prevent the spread of crude oil in the environment. Ordinarily, there should have been actions taken to ensure the protection of the environment. But none was noticed,” the report further read.
The body, therefore called on the regulatory bodies to always consider weather and environmental conditions; ensuring prompt action by polluters by tight follow-ups on incidents with a view to prevent greater environmental damage.
It also called on Oando to immediately mobilize to the impacted environment and stop/prevent further spread of Crude oil in the swamp, saying “This should be followed up with immediate proper cleanup as chemical reaction between crude oil and water has far reaching negative impact on marine ecosystems; whether crude oil is seen or not is immaterial.
OANDO Plc had on 22nd August, 2024 published on its website that it has completed the $783 million Acquisition of Eni’ Subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), which heralded completion of a divestment process.
