An oil spill from a ruptured pipeline belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has caused massive environmental devastation in the Bonny and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

Kristina Reports reliably learnt that the spill occurred on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Oputumbi Community in Bonny LGA, located on the fringes of the Andoni River.

Further checks revealed that the spill quickly spread to adjoining communities including Oyorokoto in Andoni LGA. Oyorokoto is West Africa’s largest fishing settlement.  

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through its Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward,  said on Sunday, December 15, 20204 that it was monitoring the situation and working with SPDC to assess the spill.

It equally announced that SPDC had shut down the affected pipeline and deployed containment booms to protect nearby communities.

It further said that the spill, which occurred at the SPDC loading terminal (SMI) in Bonny, Rivers State, had reached the shoreline.

Checks by Kristina Reports indicate that the spill spread quickly due to tidal movements in the area.

NIMASA further said it was actively monitoring the situation from an emergency operations center, as well as collaborating with SPDC and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine necessary follow-up actions.

It advised members of the public to remain calm as NIMASA is committed to mitigating the impact of the spill and restore affected areas.