Nembe Community records oil spillage

The community members said they have contacted Shell about the spill.

An oil spillage was reported in Ewellesuo Community at Nembe in Bayelsa on Saturday from Oil Well 62, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, learnt that the spillage was noticed by residents of the community, who saw massive oily substances covering the river, mangrove and waterways.

An indigene of Ewellusuo Community, Timi Standfast, said that the spillage affected the community’s water.

“We have called on SPDC officials and reported the spillage but they have not showed up, while the spill continues,” he said

Nengi James, the Chairman, Oil and Gas Committee of Nembe Kingdom, said he had prevailed on the people of the kingdom not to take laws into their hands against the company.

“Since I became Chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee in the kingdom, I have witnessed over 10 massive oil spillages, none has been cleaned up, instead what they do is delay response until the heavy tide washes away the spillage.

“The poor response of the company to cases of spillage have polluted our waters and reduced the life span of the people.

“The action of the oil company is becoming vexatious and unacceptable. The relevant agencies and government should intervene and prevail on the company to be responsible,” Mr. James said

Public Affairs officials of the SPDC declined comments on the reports of the oil spill when NAN correspondent contacted them.

The Spokesman of the SPDC, Tony Okonedo, did not respond to text messages sent to him on the issue.

(NAN)