A massive oil spill from a wellhead at OML 15 has triggered a fire in Buguma, Rivers State, affecting Asari-Toru and neighboring Degema LGAResidents report that the fire has spread across the waterways, causing extensive environmental damage and posing a health threat to the communityCommunity leaders are calling for urgent government intervention and a thorough clean-up, criticizing the insensitivity of the facility’s owners and lack of response from government agencies
A massive oil spill from a wellhead at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 15 has triggered a fire in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The facility, owned by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has been the site of a spill that has raged for three consecutive days, affecting Asari-Toru and neighboring Degema Local Government Area (LGA).
Fire Erupts After Massive Oil Spill in Nigeria, Residents Laments FG’s Silence, Location Announced
Source: Getty Images
Environmental Damage
Residents report that the fire has spread across the waterways, causing extensive environmental damage.
Read also
Six people confirmed dead after truck lost control in Kogi
Despite the severity of the situation, sources indicate that neither government agencies nor the facility’s owners have visited the scene to address the spill.
Community Response and Calls for Action
Livingstone Membere, president of the Kalabari Youth Federation, criticized the company’s response to the disaster.
“No company, no government agency has come in to stop the spill,” Membere said.
“We want the federal government to immediately stop the fire and do remedial action. We also want a thorough clean-up of the environment.”
Taribo Horsefall, another youth leader from Bukuma, explained that the fire erupted due to the siphoning of oil from a badge a few days ago.
“The company brought a badge that was extorting oil from the ground. The crane was dragging something from the well to bring it out. What we saw was a spark, that’s how the fire came about.”
Health and Environmental Impact
Read also
Aba Power makes history as first DisCo to provide one month of uninterrupted power
A community chief, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the health threat posed by the spill and fire.
“It is a health threat to every person in this environment. People are running out from here because of the fire. It has affected every area because some fish in the water are dying. Our mangroves are dying and all the rest. We want urgent government intervention to stop this thing.”
Government and Company Response
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, stated that the spill was due to a faulty valve. She mentioned that the command had alerted relevant government agencies on the development, but no immediate action has been taken.
The community is calling on the NNPC and other government agencies to provide immediate assistance to stop the fire and clean up the environment. Residents are also demanding adequate compensation for those affected by the disaster.
Read also
19 wedding guests die in Plateau While returning home
Fire Guts Cross River Market
Henzodaily.ng reported that Ogoja local government central market Ishibori, was gutted by fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
The market was destroyed by fire less than two days after the state’s high court went up in flames. At the time of this report, the Cross River State Fire Service is not present to curtail the inferno.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Henzodaily.ng