A’Ibom community asks government to mop up the spilt oil, compensate community

By Bisi LAWAL

Akwa Ibom State Government and relevant agencies have been called upon to mop up the spilt oil in Ibioete village in Odoroikot community of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state and pay compensation to the affected fishermen and community accordingly.

The community in a statement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Monday, by its village head, Eteidung Akpan J. Ekpo, and Secretary, Elder Akpan I. Akpan, recalled the devastating effect of previous oil spills which occurred in the area between 1996 and 2012.

It lamented the level of destruction to its residents following the recent oil spills which occurred in the area.

The spill which occurred in July, allegedly devastated large farmlands and led to the loss of aquatic lives in the affected areas.

The statement disclosed that compensation was paid to the community by the ExxonMobil and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development companies after a visit and confirmation by the Oil companies.

While regretting that the activities of these oil companies have again plunged the community into another oil spill, the villagers called on the state government and relevant agencies to “mop up the spilt oil and pay compensation to the affected fishermen and community accordingly”.

In a statement which was copied to the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin, the Paramount Ruler and Stakeholders of community reads in part “It’s unfortunate that Ibioete Village, Odoroikot community in Mkpat Enin LGA, is suffering from the damages caused by the recent Oil Spillage along its Atlantic Ocean.

“History will tell that these same issues happened in 1996 and in 2012 when the concerned oil company i.e., ExxonMobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development company limited visited the community, Tested the water and confirmed that it was a reality.

“Notwithstanding, the community and of course the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area was compensated accordingly. Based on this, the activities of these oil companies again have led to another oil spill this year “July 2023”.

“This has caused a lot of damages to our fishermen at the Atlantic Ocean and within the Creeks / Rivers.

“We use this medium to draw the attention of the state government and the oil companies concern to, with a matter of urgency “Mop up the spilled oil and pay compensation to the affected Fishermen, community accordingly.”

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