The people of Abureni kingdom in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have cried out over a huge oil spill that destroyed farmlands and polluted their rivers, saying the crude oil spill from OML 29 could be seen floating on the river and the stench coming therefrom is becoming unbearable.
According to Abureni indigenes led by the paramount Ruler, HRM (Barr.) Collins E. Daniel , the Olilah-Ebhugh,Aburni Kingdom, said the spill which was first noticed some weeks ago from Santa Barbra 1 Oil spillage in Nembe had spread into Ogbia communities, fishing and farm settlements, fishing routes which has brought about severe devastating economic and social effect on the people.
HRM (Barr.) Collins E. Daniel, who led other traditional rulers of Eboh, the Olilaema of Eboh Community, HRH Inatimi Okiori, the Chairman of the Idema Council of Chiefs, Chief Milton Eghoi-Ikoni, the Regent of Emago-Kugbo Community, Chief (Engr.) James Ewa-Adisa and HRH (Dr.)J.I.Ogbomade, said the Santa Barbra River, which cut across three kingdom including Abureni has destroyed sources of drinking water, cooking and washing.
According to the statement issued by the people of Abureni Kingdom, “it is unfortunate that since the oil spillage occurred weeks ago with its devastating effects, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited, and its management did not deem it fit and necessary to quickly unplug the leakage to minimize the collateral damages caused but appear unprepared and helpless. This made the crude oil to be discharged uncontrollably into our creeks and rivulets which are the tributaries of Santa Barbra River.â€
“The said company has not also visited any of our communities not paid a courtesy visit to our King to show empathy not sent relief materials, medicals or trained medical personnel to handle the arising trauma and emergencies. We are no strangers of the intrigue of Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited. The attitude Aiteo is showing is consistent with the attitude of SPDC, the first operator of the Santa Barbara oil field. “
“ It is important to emphasize that since Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited took over the operations of Santa Barbara oil field from SPDC, it has continued with the same intrigue and insensitivity of its host communities especially the Abureni communities. The effect of oil pollution on any environment usually lead to environmental degradation which can last for years. This very oil spillage has affected the flaura and funa of the Abureni environment, occasioned economic losses in various degrees, destroyed the aquatic life and rendered our people jobless. The ecological implication and the life span of the Abureni people are also endangered.â€
The Abureni Kingdom however called on the Aiteo Company to provide them with relief materials including medicals for persons displaced and generally impacted by the oil spillage,†we also call for Internally accepted standard of clean-up of Abureni communities/settlements affected by the oil spillage. The immediate remediation of the polluted environment in line with best practices and internal standards.â€
“A proper assessment of all property belonging to the communities/persons affected/impacted by the oil spillage and payment of adequate compensation without discrimination. Involvement of the Abureni communities and their leaders in the stakeholders’ meetings concerning the oil spillage. And construction of the 25 kilometer Ogbia town-Idema-Kugbo road being the legacy project earlier agreed to be done by the SPDC. This will assuage the Abureni communities and improve their social relations with Aiteo.â€
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