Bayelsa community raises alarm over oil spill from AGIP facility

It was gathered that the spill was noticed two weeks ago, and promptly reported to the management of Agip, but the company was yet to contain it.“We informed some management and staff of Agip when the spill was noticed and pleaded that the company take advantage of the scenario and promptly mobilize to site for […]

It was gathered that the spill was noticed two weeks ago, and promptly reported to the management of Agip, but the company was yet to contain it.
“We informed some management and staff of Agip when the spill was noticed and pleaded that the company take advantage of the scenario and promptly mobilize to site for clamping before more harm was done.
“Even though Agip responded that the information was earlier received about the spill; it was surprising to observe that Agip failed to take any positive remedial action until the spill point increased and crude oil spewed into the environment,” said a community source who would not want to be mentioned.
However, Chief Roman Orukali, paramount ruler of the community, who spoke to Environment Rights Action, ERA team and journalists led by Morris Alagoa lamented the spill describing it as most unfortunate.
“The spill occurred on the 12th of January, 2015 and Agip was promptly informed same day. The company came to see the spill point the next day, being 13th January, 2015. But, it is surprising to see that Agip has failed to return and stop the spill until crude oil has now spread in the environment.
“Agip should know that the environment is our life, health and wealth. In this regard, I wish to urge Agip to help us protect our environment by coming to stop the spill and carry out immediate clean-up. This, the company should do to ensure a safe environment for our people”, the paramount ruler pleaded.
In his reaction, the community youth president, Samuel Oburu, lamented the effect of the spill on the environment and called on Agip to mobilise its men to site and make necessary repairs so as to stop further spread of crude oil and related pollution in the environment.
 In an interview after assessing the extent of the spill, ERA Field Coordinator in Bayelsa State, Alagoa Morris, urged the company to take immediate steps to stop the spill by going to site and effect clamping and immediate clean up of the impacted environment.
He called on the security agencies to do intensive investigation with a view to apprehend and prosecute real culprits, while the government and oil companies should channel resources toward sensitization of communities on the dangers inherent in such acts relating to third party spills.