Southern Ijaw Chairman Condemns Devastating Oil Spill at Obololi

Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA), has expressed deep concern over the severe impact of a recent oil spill at Obololi.
Segibo attributed the leak to a pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and criticized the company’s lack of responsiveness to the challenges faced by its host communities.
Following an on-the-spot assessment, Segibo described the pollution as extensive, noting that the community’s only water source has been heavily contaminated. He explained that the leak, which occurred on Sunday, originated from a ruptured underwater pipeline laid in 1973.
The Chairman lamented SPDC’s neglect of the community since it began operations, highlighting the environmental degradation, economic hardship, and health problems, including cholera, faced by residents. He also cited the loss of biodiversity, soil and water contamination, air pollution, reduced tourism, and displacement of residents as consequences of the spill.
Segibo pledged that the LGA will immediately provide alternative water supplies to alleviate the community’s suffering. He cautioned residents against using water from the contaminated creek for drinking or cooking to prevent waterborne diseases and urged adults to educate youths about the dangers.
Wilfred Kueke, Deputy Paramount Ruler of Obololi, informed the Chairman about the long-standing devastation the community has endured since SPDC’s arrival in 1973.
He criticized SPDC and its contractors for failing to provide basic social amenities, including healthcare and clean water, and for neglecting community relations.
A representative of the women, Ebiware Ikuromo, expressed her distress over the loss of aquatic life and SPDC’s perceived uncooperative attitude towards the community. She reported that numerous people, particularly children, have been hospitalized due to illnesses from drinking contaminated water.
The community appealed to Governor Douye Diri and Chairman Segibo for urgent assistance, requesting health personnel, medication, relief materials, and clean water.
An SPDC spokesperson, contacted for comment on the reported leak and pollution, requested time to respond.