Oil spill pollutes Otuokpoti community in Bayelsa

Residents of Ekole Creek in Bayelsa have reported a massive oil leak from an oil field operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the community. Ekole Creek is around Agbura and Otuokpoti communities in Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas respectively.

The residents alleged that the spill measuring five centimeter thick on the water surface, has destroyed their farmlands and aquatic lives. A resident of Otuokpoti community, Cecilia Osain said the spill had negatively affected fishing activities in the river.

According to her, those who went fishing came back with no catch as the crude oil has scared the fish, crayfish and shrimps away into the high sea beyond the reach of artisanal fishermen. Osain said bathing or drinking from the river was no longer safe domestic use. Meanwhile, the people of Otuokpoti community have appealed to the government of Bayelsa to provide relief materials to ameliorate the plight of the people.

In a letter signed by their paramount ruler, Cousin Wongo and chairman, Community Development Committee, Simpson Isikpi, the community noted that the spillage polluted the entire river. According to the letter, the incident has negatively affected the economic life of the people as the river serves as a major source of income to members of the community.

“We cannot drink water, we cannot bathe in the river, our aquatic life such as fish and animals are dying. We appeal to the relevant authorities to come to our aid,” the letter read in part.

They also appealed for the immediate cleanup of the river to enable the people resume their fishing activities. Spokesman of the youth wing of the Ogbia Brotherhood, Lamawal Wilfred called on operators of affected pipeline to send experts to ascertain the cause of the leak. He urged NAOC to prevent further pollution of the river which serves as their major source of water.

Officials of NAOC declined comments when contacted for comments. Filippo Cotalinni, media relations manager, at Eni, parent company of NAOC has yet to respond to a request for comments on the incident.