The umbrella body of Ijaw Youths across the country have called on the Federal Government to prevail on two oil companie, Conoil and Chevron Nig. Ltd, to address the issue of a massive oil spill in Sangana, Koluama and other community in Bayelsa State.
The agitated youths accuse the Federal Government of colluding with the multinational oil firms to under-develop the Niger Delta.
The Spokesman of the IYC, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, spoke during a fact- finding mission to Sangana and fish town communities of Akassa Clan which are seriously affected by an oil spill which occurred in the area in January 15, 2021.
In spite of the devastating effects of the oil spill on the affected communities of Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Sangana, Fishtown and others, the oil companies have denied ownership of the ruptured pipeline pouring large quantity of crude oil into the creeks.
Ekerefe lamented that the huge oil spill has adversely affected the environment and means of live hood of the people who engage mostly in fishing for survival in the area.
He said “As you can see with me, this is the crude oil flowing along the sea and on the shores of the River. It’s quite unfortunate and provocative that up till now the two major oil companies, Chevron and CONOIL that are operating in this shoreline have not taken responsibility for their negligence.
“As Ijaw Youth Council, we have a duty to join our people to come and see what is happening here, and what we are seeing is quite sad and unfortunate.
It is curious that a company doing multi billion dollar business in a community where the livelihood of the people is dependent on the aquatic lives is not giving them the desired attention especially in this moment of needs.
“Uptil this moment, non of them has even sent representatives to come to these communities to interface with the people to, at least to show empathy in their current travails.
The people are passing through serious health challenges and we call on these IOC’s to send relief materials including health workers immediately to save lives.
“What you’re seeing here is not pipeline vandalism as they’ve always said. This is clearly an equipment failure on the part of the IOCs whose pipelines have been in existence for longer than the expiring date. They need to replace them immediately to save our environment.
“We don’t want to believe that the FG which is benefiting majorly from the oil operations of the IOCs is colluding with them to treat our people as animals whenever a spill occurs.
He said that the IYC might be compelled to take a more drastic action if the relevant bodies continue to abandoned the helpless people in this critical moment of need.