- Predatory foreign oil companies inflict eco-destruction in Nigeria’s Niger Delta
- Use currupt military men to muscle their way in
Some households in the towns of Omuobizu, Omkpoba, and Mgbere in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State have reported that spillage from a manifold run by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, in that area has contaminated their subsurface water supply.
According to reports, the aforementioned oil refinery experienced a significant subsurface spill sometime in 2014, and SPDC only learned about the development after the crude had already completely taken over the underground water.
Further information revealed that the spill was believed to have extended to neighboring areas of the Ibaa and Obele clans after draining and destroying all underground water in Omuobizu and Mgbere since 2015
Speaking about the development, Princewill Chukwure of the Chukwure family, Omuobizu, claimed that the spill has wrecked their wells and poisoned their drinking water.
According to Princewill’s narration, “We found some black matter on the surface of the water sometime on January 15 as we were gathering water from our well.
“Upon closer inspection, we saw that it was crude. When we tried to utilize light, it caught fire. We got in touch with Shell through letter. Additionally, we contacted NOSDRA; they arrived, collected a sample, but they never returned with the result.
Shell has been reluctant to communicate with us. rather, they will bring the military to carry out their excavation. They have also declined to discuss it with anyone.
SOURCE: Vanguard
IMAGE: ReseachGate
