SAN FRANCISCO, November 02, (THEWILL) – Residents around Agbura and Otuokpoti communities in Ogbia and Yenagoa local government Areas of Bayelsa have reported a massive oil leak in Ekole Creek resulting from the leak from an oilfield operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC).
THEWILL gathered that the leak has destroyed farmlands and aquatic lives in the communities as the crude oil deposits from the spillage is said to measure about five centimetres thickness on the surface of the water.
The incident attracted the residents who trooped out on Wednesday to scoop the flowing crude oil as they appealed to the State government to provide relief materials to ameliorate the plight of the people and an immediate clean-up of the river to enable the people resume their fishing activities.
In a letter jointly signed by the Paramount ruler, Chief Cousin Wongo and Chairman, Community Development Committee, Hon. Simpson Isikpi, the community noted that the spillage has polluted the entire river which is their source of livelihood.
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 and drinking water.
“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.
Story by Oputah David.
