Stinking dead fish in polluted waters and farmlands of withered trees are some of the challenges facing residents of 13 oil-bearing communities in Imo State. OKODILI NDIDI reports on the devastation caused by oil spill in Ohaji-Egbema council of the state
Health and survival top the list of challenges facing residents of Obokofia, Abacheke and Mmahu communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. An oil spill has poisoned their waters, leaving foul-smelling fish bobbing up on their rivers and creeks. Their once-lush green farmlands have become lifeless with withered trees.
•The scene of the oil spillage
The people are as worried about their health as they are concerned about their day-to-day survival. A spill from Agip oil firm has left them breathless and angry.
So massive was the damage that the residents are threatening to take up arms against the AGIP, owners of the exploded hydrocarbon storage tanks that caused the spillage.
A traditional ruler of one of the communities, Eze Justice Okwuodu, explained that the explosion, which took place at Ibeocha location in Rivers State, affected about 13 communities in Ohaji/Egbema Council Area of the state.
He said that the pollution affected houses, rivers, aquatic life and food web in the environment, lamenting that the oil companies operating in the area, have not shown commitment to the well being of the host communities where they operate.
According to him, “the people have been devastated by the level of the recent pollution and up till now, nothing has been done by the AGIP oil company, the owners of the hydrocarbon tanks. Our source of livelihood has been destroyed by the pollution and if nothing is quickly done to clean up the spillage, it could lead to epidemic”.
He decried the non-implementation of the MoU reached with the oil companies many years ago, adding that the oil companies neglected the agreement, especially the AGIP oil company.
He appealed to the state government to wade into the matter since they do not want to take the laws into their hands.
But the youths warned that they will no longer fold their arms, while their lands are ravaged by oil pollution, while they wallow in abject poverty.
They insisted that the oil companies responsible for the recent spillage will adequately compensate the affected communities or face the wrath of the youths.
A youth leader from one of the communities, Kennedy Irona, stated that the youths are waiting for the outcome of the meeting between the concerned companies and leaders of the affected communities, adding that “if nothing tangible is achieved from the meetings, the youths will move into action against the oil companies”.
He stated further that, “we have been marginalised by the oil companies operating in our area. Our youths have been burnt to death several times as a result of fire from oil spillages, yet we have nothing to show for it. Our crops have been buildings and fish ponds have been damaged without any form of compensation but this time we are ready for the oil companies and they will hear from us soon”.
It will be recalled that Imo State House of Assembly, which was irked by the neglect of the oil producing communities in the state, had passed a motion, demanding the payment of N40 billion owed the state by the oil companies in the last 38 years.
The House had in the motion demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding ground rates and other statutory payments from Oil companies operating in the State since 1978.
The lawmakers chided the oil companies for dubiously withholding the statutory payments and other benefits accruing to the state.
In a motion sponsored by the member representing Oguta State constituency, Hon Uzoma Ezediaro, the House decried the continued short changing of the State by oil companies, stating that, the companies have capitalised on the peaceful disposition of the people to deny them of their rights and privileges.
The House urged the Governor to direct the Chairman of the Internal Revenue Board to mandate the companies to pay up all outstanding ground rates and other statutory payments owed the state since 1978.
It also directed the oil companies to comply and henceforth pay all entitlements due the state as at when due.
A nine-man committee headed by Hon Uzoma Ezediaro, with Hon Ikechukwu Amuka, John Ezeruo, Mike Iheanetu, Obinna Eguh and Joy Mbawuike, among others was set up to supervise the debt recovery.
Meanwhile, the State Government has indicated interest in addressing the brewing restiveness occasioned by the pollution.
The State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, who visited the site to ascertain the level of damage, said that the government will partner with the leaders of the affected communities and bring the AGIP oil firm to a roundtable to ensure that right things are done.
Speaking after inspecting the level of pollution at the Oloshi river, Madumere, appealed to the communities especially the youths to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.
He also reminded them of the resolve of the state government to ensure that every community is carried along in the scheme of things.
