The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has expressed worry over the reported oil leakage from a hose operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company at Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State.
The youth body said the flow if not stopped will have a detrimental effect in other host communities like Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri, including other nearby coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by the spokesman of IYC central zone, Comr. Ginah Williams Ikio, the body called on Aiteo and other multinational oil companies operating in the area to immediately address what it termed the issue of continuous oil flow/leakage in the region.
While calling on the state and federal governments to swing into action, IYC said the continuous oil spillage has caused significant environmental damage.
“We are calling on Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company and other multinational oil companies operating in the area, and both the state and federal government to urgently address this issue of continuous oil flow/leakage in the region.
“This act has caused significant environmental damage, posing a severe threat to the livelihoods and well-being of our people.
“The affected communities have been experiencing the negative consequences of this oil spill, which are: contamination of water sources, destruction of farmlands, loss of aquatic life,for a people who rely on fishing and farming for their sustenance, and the overall degradation of the ecosystem.
“These detrimental effects directly impact the daily lives and health of the people residing in these areas.
“It is imperative for Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company, other multinational oil companies, and relevant government authorities to promptly respond to this situation.
“We urge them to conduct a thorough assessment of the extent of the damage and implement appropriate measures to contain the oil flow/leakage,” the statement partly read.
The IYC also called for the immediate remediation and compensation for the affected communities to help restore their environment and their losses.
It further emphasised the importance of responsible and sustainable oil exploration activities and demanded that stringent measures be put in place to prevent further oil spill incidents in order to protect the environment and the livelihoods of the local communities.
The youth body also appealed to the relevant regulatory bodies and agencies to intensify their oversight and monitoring of oil exploration activities in the region.
“It is their duty to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and hold accountable any party found responsible for negligence leading to oil spills,” IYC added.
The youth group said it stands in solidarity with the affected communities and will continue to advocate for their rights to a safe, healthy environment.
IYC, while further pledging their solidarity to the affected communities, warned that immediate action should be taken to address the oil spill at Nembe Creek and provide necessary support to the affected communities.
