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Residents Cry Out as Catastrophic Oil Spillage in Akpajo Community Devastates Environment, Ogugu River Suffers Irreversible Damage

By Edwina Nengi Bluejack

Jun 17, 2023

Residents Cry Out as Catastrophic Oil Spillage in Akpajo Community Devastates Environment, Ogugu River Suffers Irreversible Damage

Residents of Akpajo Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have raised alarm over an oil spill that occurred in their community and left their only source of livelihood, the Ogugu River permanently destroyed.

The massive oil spillage, which occurred on Sunday, June 11, 2023, is said to have left Akpajo Community in despair as the once thriving environment has been transformed into a wasteland, with devastating consequences for both its residents and ecosystem.

Eyewitnesses say the oil spillage, which affected the renowned Ogugu River, has caused immense damage to aquatic life, crops, and the overall wellbeing of the community.

Addressing newsmen, a stakeholder in the community, David Wokoma stated that the spill has exerted devastating consequences on the Akpajo Community, stressing that the community’s lifeline, the Ogugu River has become a wasteland.

“The catastrophic oil spillage that occurred in our beloved Akpajo Community has plunged us into a state of utter despair. Our once vibrant environment has been reduced to a desolate wasteland, with devastating consequences for our people and the precious ecosystem we rely upon.”

“The Ogugu River, once a lifeline for our community, now stands as a symbol of destruction and devastation.”

Also speaking, the Women Leader of Akpajo Community, Sarah Edward added her voice to the plea for help, decrying the plight of women in the community who heavily relied on the river and farmlands for sustenance.

She expressed deep concern for the hunger and starvation faced by the women, appealing to the government and relevant agencies to come to their aid by ensuring that their basic needs are met during this challenging time.

On his part, a Toxicologist, who is also a member of the community, Paul Nyimeone called for clean-up of the affected area, but insisted on transparency and effectiveness in the process.

He proposed that members of the community be included in the committee for rehabilitation to ensure that the cleanup efforts truly address the needs and concerns of the community, stressing that involving the community would foster trust and ensure the restoration process meets the unique requirements of Akpajo.

Adding their voices, an environmental expert, Oliver Nwidaa, and Youth President of the community, Osaroluka ThankGod, emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the government and relevant agencies to expedite their actions and provide swift assistance to alleviate the suffering endured by the Akpajo people.

They also cautioned against any attempt to politicize the issue, emphasizing that the focus should be on addressing the plight of the community and restoring their environment rather than engaging in partisan interests.

The collective plea by the various speakers shed light on the grave situation faced by Akpajo Community, echoing the need for urgent intervention and support by the government and relevant agencies in the face of this devastating oil spillage.

Also highlighted were the specific challenges faced by women, the importance of community involvement in the rehabilitation efforts, and the need for swift action and non-politicization of the issue.

Akpajo Community now waits anxiously for the government and relevant agencies to respond to their plea and take immediate action to alleviate their suffering, restore their environment, and secure their future in Eleme LGA of Rivers State.