Fear has gripped the people of Obololi Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following the oil spill in the area which has remained unattended to.
It was gathered that the spill emanated from an oil asset, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, (SPDC).
On Wednesday, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, visited the area, and bemoaned the adverse impact of the oil leak.
Segibo, who confirmed that the spill emanated from an oil asset operated by Shell, noted that the pollution was massive. He regretted that Shell has not been forthcoming in addressing challenges faced by its host communities.
The council chairman addressed chiefs and people of Obololi Community after an on- the -spot assessment of the oil spill, from the company’s facility at Obololi,
He expressed shock at the level of devastation on the Obololi community, stating that the only source from which the people get water for drinking, cooking and washing has been heavily polluted.
The local government boss explained that the oil leakage which occurred on Sunday, was traced to a rupture of the over-aged underwater pipeline laid in 1973.
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He noted that the people of Obololi have been exposed to environmental degradation, economic hardship, several health problems including cholera, loss of biodiversity, soil and water contamination, air pollution, reduced tourism, and displaced residents
Segibo said that the local government will urgently, provide alternative water supply source for residents of the area to alleviate their sufferings.
He called on the people of Obololi to avoid drinking and cooking with the water drawn from the polluted creek, to avoid contracting water-borne diseases.
Speaking, Deputy paramount ruler of Obololi, Wilfred Kueke, intimated the council chairman of the age-long devastations the community had suffered, since Shell started its operations there in 1973.
The community leader decried the refusal of Shell to provide social amenities in the community, including healthcare services, clean drinking water and other social amenities.
As at the time of filing this report, Shell had yet to react to the oil spill.