Toxic Waters: Oil spill poisons lifeline of eastern Obolo Communities in Akwa Ibom
By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
A devastating oil spill is poisoning the waterways of Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom State, sparking anger, fear, and urgent calls for intervention as marine life dies and livelihoods collapse in the wake of ongoing pollution.
Investigations revealed that Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited, whose operations at the Durga 4 oil rig which is part of the OML 13 marginal field, are alleged to be the source of a continuous oil discharge into surrounding creeks and the Atlantic Ocean.
The spill, which residents claim has lasted over a month and is ongoing, has left a trail of destruction across the Emere-Oke and Akpabom communities.
“Our waters have turned black,” said one resident of Emere-Oke. “We fish no more, we drink no more, and we are slowly being choked by the greed of those who care nothing for our lives.”
A statement made available to The Daily Times on Tuesday by the Environmental advocacy group Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) demands documenting extensive damage to mangrove forests and marine ecosystems.
Comrade Umo Isua-Ikoh, the group’s coordinator, described the situation as a humanitarian and ecological emergency.
“In Akpabom, the mangroves are soaked in crude. In Emere-Oke, the oil visibly flows into the Atlantic. The entire aquatic ecosystem is under threat,” he said.
The organization is demanding an immediate shutdown of the affected facility, comprehensive cleanup, and compensation for affected communities. It has also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a formal investigation into the incident.
The spill has also reignited concerns over Sterling Oil’s track record. Just months ago, the company was accused by the Akwa Ibom State Government of violating land-use agreements and illegally expanding operations.
Ekemini Simon, head of media for PPDF, condemned the apparent inaction by government agencies and local authorities. “The silence of the regulators is deafening. How long will we allow our waters to be sacrificed for profit?” he asked.
Experts warn that the spill’s impact could spread beyond Eastern Obolo, with the polluted waters of the Atlantic potentially affecting neighboring coastal communities.
As oil continues to flow and official response remains limited, environmentalists fear that what was once a thriving marine environment may become a dead zone, unless urgent action is taken.
Sterling Oil has yet to issue a public response as of the time of this report.
