OML 30: Impacted Communities Send SOS to FG, Delta Govt Over Oil Spill

Communities Imparted by the recent oil spill at Oil Mining Licence 30 have sent an urgent Save Our Soul message to the Nigerian Federal Government to come to their aid.

The communities also called on the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led Delta State Government to intervene in the spill at OML 30 that has left over 100 communities grappling with their livelihood.

Daily Report Nigeria reported that a massive crude oil spill caused by a leaking trunk line ruptured during dredging operations by Neconde Energy Limited has been left uncontained for seven days.

However, a joint statement by the leadership of Tekedor Kusimi, Dubelegbene, Dudieghagbene, Ajelegbene, Aya-ama, and Egwa 2 communities, has revealed that not only are sources of livelihood destroyed, several residents have been hospitalised as a result of the spill.

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They called on Heritage Oil, operators of OML 30 and Neconde to take responsibility for the spill and proffer mediating measures with immediate effect.

The statement also addressed to the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), reads;

SOS Appeal for Immediate Intervention and Aid Following the Devastating Oil Spill at OML 30

We, the undersigned communities of Tekedor Kusimi, Dubelegbene, Dudieghagbene, Ajelegbene, Aya-ama, and Egwa 2, urgently send this SOS appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Delta State Government, and relevant agencies to come to our immediate aid following the recent oil spill at OML 30.

The spill, caused by dredging activities by Neconde Energy Limited along the trunk line operated by Heritage Oil Limited, has unleashed a humanitarian and environmental crisis upon our people. Our lands, waterways, and mangrove forests are heavily polluted, severely affecting our sources of food, water, and livelihood.

READ ALSO: IYC Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Heritage Oil, Neconde Over OML 30 Oil Spill

This disaster poses an alarming health risk to our residents. Many members of our communities have already been hospitalized with symptoms of respiratory issues, skin rashes, nausea, and other illnesses linked to exposure to the toxic crude oil now contaminating our environment. We fear that without swift action, more lives will be endangered, and long-term health complications will arise.

Our communities depend heavily on fishing, farming, and harvesting from our mangroves to survive. The spill has decimated these vital resources, leaving families without means to earn a living or feed themselves.

Our once-thriving mangrove forests, which provided habitat for fish and other wildlife, are now coated in oil, and our rivers are no longer safe for fishing or drinking.

Our Urgent Demands

1. Immediate Medical Assistance: We request the immediate deployment of medical personnel and facilities to treat those affected and prevent further health complications.

2. Emergency Relief Supplies: We urgently need food, clean water, and essential supplies as the spill has contaminated our primary sources of sustenance.

3. Comprehensive Environmental Cleanup: We demand the immediate deployment of cleanup teams, experts, and equipment to contain the spill and restore our lands and waters to their original state.

4. Accountability and Compensation: We call on the Federal and Delta State Governments to hold Neconde Energy Limited and Heritage Oil Limited accountable for this disaster and ensure they provide adequate compensation for the damage done to our environment, livelihoods, and health.

5. Long-term Monitoring and Support: We request that government agencies monitor the affected areas for long-term environmental and health impacts and provide ongoing support to rebuild our communities.

The people of Tekedor Kusimi, Dubelegbene, Dudieghagbene, Ajelegbene, Aya-ama, and Egwa 2 are in dire need of your assistance.

We can not bear the brunt of this disaster alone and appeal to your offices for swift and decisive intervention to save lives and restore our communities.

Signed:
– Tekedor Kusimi Community
– Dubelegbene Community
– Dudieghagbene Community
– Ajelegbene Community
– Aya-ama Community
– Egwa 2 Community