An oil spill has occurred in Obiakpu community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State allegedly caused by leakages from crude oil pipelines owned by Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) (SEE VIDEO).

The spill resulted in an inferno which raged continuously for three (3) days – from 28th May to 30th May 2021 – before it was finally put out. The fire contaminated water sources, devastated farmlands and traditional livelihoods, leaving communities poorer and traumatized.

SPACES FOR CHANGE|S4C strongly condemns this import of bad environmental practices prevalent in the Niger Delta region into Imo State by multinational oil companies.

From the testimony of eyewitnesses and residents, the spillage started two (2) years ago and residents immediately reported the incident to SPDC for proper remediation steps. However, despite prompt notice, SPDC did not take any step to stop the oil spill and remediate the environment until one (1) year and six months later and at that time, the spillage had wrecked irreparable damage on the community, a further display of negligence and blatant disregard towards the environmental and socio-economic rights of host communities by oil majors. The resultant inferno that engulfed Obiakpu community destroyed over 100 fish ponds, several farmlands and plantations among others estimated to be worth billions of naira, in addition to the devastating impact on the environment as the spilled oil flowed into the community river which serves as a major source of water for the community.