News Investigators/ The Senate has launched an urgent intervention following a catastrophic fire outbreak and oil spillage from Manifold Well 8/BUG 008 in OML 18, located in Bukuma (Agum), Rivers.
The incident has caused severe environmental damage, displaced families, and sparked health crises across affected communities.
The intervention followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Ipalibo Banigo (PDP-Rivers) during Thursday’s plenary.
The motion was titled ‘Urgent Need to Mitigate the Recent Fire Outbreak and Oil Spillage from Manifold Well 8/BUG 008 in OML 18, Bukuma (Agum), Rivers West Senatorial District.’”
It urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to immediately investigate the cause of the fire and spill.
The Senate also called on the Ecological Project Management Committee (EPMC) to deploy the Intervention Fund, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to address the ecological challenges in the affected areas.
Banigo highlighted the disaster’s devastating impact, including pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and contamination of aquatic life in Buguma, ASALGA, Ifoko, and Bukuma (Agum) in Degema Local Government Area.
She noted that oil spills and fire outbreaks were recurring issues in the Niger Delta, often caused by safety lapses, sabotage, or weak enforcement of environmental laws.
Banigo stressed that the oil spills have severe consequences, such as contamination of vital resources and health risks like respiratory and waterborne diseases, as well as long-term effects like cancer.
She criticised the delayed response from oil companies and regulatory bodies, worsening the suffering of affected communities and eroding public trust.
Sen. Isa Jibril (APC-Kogi) added that negligence from operators and compromised supervisory authorities were contributing factors to the ongoing issues.
After a voice vote, all the motions were adopted by the senators, with Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau presiding over the plenary.
NAN
