A’Ibom Community in Grief as Oil Spillage Takes Toll on Aquatic Lives and Farmlands

The Ibioete village in the Odoroikot community of the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has lamented the extent of damage to its residents as a result of the recent oil spills that have taken place in the region.

According to information gathered, the July spill destroyed sizable farmlands and resulted in the death of aquatic life in the affected areas.

The community’s village chief, Eteidung Akpan J., issued a statement on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Ekpo and Elder Akpan I, the Secretary. Akpan recalled the devastation caused by earlier oil spills that happened in the region between 1996 and 2012.

According to the information provided, after a visit and confirmation by the oil companies, compensation was given to the community by ExxonMobil and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development.

The villagers asked the state government and pertinent agencies to “mop up the spilt oil and pay compensation to the affected fishermen and community accordingly” while regretting that the actions of these oil companies had once again subjected the community to an oil spill.

Part of the statement that was forwarded to the Mkpat Enin Executive Chairman, the Paramount Ruler, and community stakeholders reads as follows.

“It’s unfortunate that Ibioete Village, Odoroikot community in Mkpat Enin LGA, is suffering from the damages caused by the recent Oil Spillage along it Atlantic Ocean.

“History will tell that this same issues happened in 1996 and in 2012 when the concerned oil company ie ExxonMobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development company limited visited the community, Tested the water and confirmed that it was a reality.

“Not withstanding, the community and of course the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area was compensated accordingly. Base on this, the activities of these oil companies again have led to another oil spill this year “July 2023”.

“This has caused a lot of damages to our fishermen at the Atlantic Ocean and within the Creeks / Rivers.

“We use this medium to draw the attention of the state government and the oil companies concern to, with a matter of urgency “Mop up the spilled oil and pay compensation to the affected Fishermen, community accordingly.”