Relief materials have reached Obololi community in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa, after an oil spill polluted the River Nun, disrupting livelihoods and daily activities. The Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC delivered drinking water and perishable food items over the weekend to support affected residents.
The spill, which occurred on February 16, originated from a 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek underwater pipeline operated by SPDC. The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA traced the source of the leak and recommended urgent measures, including temporarily diverting the river to access the damaged pipeline.
Goodnews Okoi, Chairman of the Obololi Community Development Committee, expressed appreciation for the relief materials, stating that the fresh fish was immediately distributed, while other items would be shared among victims of the spill. He also highlighted the difficulties the community has faced since the incident, including environmental and economic setbacks.
To facilitate investigation and repairs, a Joint Investigation Visit, has been scheduled. The statutory inquiry, involving regulators and affected communities, aims to determine the cause, volume, and impact of the spill. The examination has been delayed due to the logistical challenge of transporting heavy equipment such as excavators and swamp buggies to the coastal area.
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In response to NOSDRA’s recommendation, the Obololi River has been temporarily dammed to allow access to the underwater pipeline. Okoi acknowledged that while this move was necessary, it has disrupted fishing and transportation, creating additional hardship for residents who depend on the river for their livelihoods.
Despite these difficulties, Okoi emphasized that the community remains patient and committed to uncovering the real cause of the leak. He noted that the spill has significantly affected their daily lives, but the arrival of relief materials from SPDC provided some reassurance.
Meanwhile, efforts to recover spilled crude are ongoing, with workers collecting the oil into plastic tanks. SPDC Spokesman Michael Adande confirmed that the company has shut oil feeds into the affected pipeline as part of containment measures.
Adande assured that Shell remains committed to further relief, remediation, and response efforts. He pledged to provide updates on the company’s ongoing actions to restore the affected environment and support the impacted community.
NAN
