Mysterious’ Oil Spill Threatens the Existence of Residents in Bayelsa

BY AHERHOKE OKIOMA

Residents along the Bayelsa State Atlantic coastline in Foropa are lamenting the loss of their livelihoods due to crude oil spillage disrupting economic activities in the area.

Occupants of this coastline, predominantly fishermen, described the occurrence as a mystery in their conversations with the Daily Times. They noted that the source of the spill, specifically the ruptured pipe causing it, remained unidentified. This situation is particularly worrisome, they say, as the water serves various domestic purposes.

In a letter written by the traditional ruler, Pastor Olabai Olozulu, to the Head of the Bayelsa Office of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the spillage was noticed on January 3rd of this year.

Six oil companies operate within the affected coastline, namely E & P, Conoil Exploration, NEPL, Shell, and Nigdel United Oil Company. There has been no response from these companies regarding the spillage.

However, the Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Chukwuemeka Iheanacho, confirmed that the agency received the report and is planning a joint visit to the impacted site with all the oil companies operating in the area.

Iheanacho said a ‘fingerprinting’ analysis of the crude samples from the site would reveal the operator whose facility discharged the crude into the environment.

“We are planning a Joint Investigation Visit by next Tuesday. I am writing to all the operators within the area to send their representatives because samples will be collected for fingerprinting,” Iheanacho said.

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Mr. Darius Sese, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC)
in Foropa, who spoke in a telephone chat on Wednesday, noted that the incident has adversely impacted fishing in the area.

He said that fishermen no longer make catches since the spill occurred, as fish have migrated deeper into the Atlantic waters, away from the coastline.

Residents also worry that the spill will cause adverse health effects if not handled promptly.