March 16
Panic has gripped communities in Nembe Kingdom, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following a massive leak of crude oil from a facility belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the area.
Community sources told Sunday Independent that the spill was discovered on Tuesday around Obiama-Sabatatoru fishing settlements.
Oil slicks had been spreading into adjoining creeks and rivulets in the area even as dead aquatic creatures like fish were seeing floating since the incident occurred.
It was gathered that a team of engineers deployed by Agip to the spill site on Thursday could not clamp the ruptured point on the pipeline, a development that had increased spewing of more crude into the waters.
There are fears that an epidemic could break out in the area as the people depend on the rivers and creeks for cooking and drinking.
The devastating spill, our sources said, had disrupted fishing and farming activities in the coastal communities in the kingdom.
Chairman, Nembe Kingdom Oil and Gas Committee, Nengi James, confirmed the incident, saying “the leakage is from under water”.
“The environment is being damaged by the leakage. We call on the relevant authority to help remedy the situation.
“The marine life of the people have been damaged and destroyed by these incessant oil spillages.
“The oil companies have denied the people of their rights through false claims of oil theft and sabotage”, James said.
Source: http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/03/agip-spill-causes-panic-in-bayelsa-communities/?
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