Oil spillages from flowstation in Bayelsa, Shell confirms
It has been confirmed that an oil spill occurred at Shell facilities in the Peremabiri community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 3, 2023.
SPDC spokesman Mr. Michael Adande told The Nation yesterday that a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to the incident site was underway to determine the source and extent of the oil discharge.
After every spill is reported, a statutory investigation called a Joint Investigation Team (JIV) is launched, which includes representatives from the operator, the host community, and the regulatory agencies.
Adande stated, “A government-led Joint Investigation Team, including operator and community representatives, is currently conducting a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the site of the incident to determine the cause and the impact of the incident.”
Meanwhile, residents of Peremabiri have urged their nation’s highest authorities to pressure SPDC into cleaning up the oil spill as soon as possible.
SPDC’s Diebu Creek flowstation leaked, releasing an untold amount of crude oil into the surrounding neighbourhood and the Nun River.
Mr. Alagoa Morris, Programme Manager for Environmental Right Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), responded that the oil spill had damaged the environment.
Morris, the Technical Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa on the Environment, praised the victims’ calm demeanour.
Another affected farmer, Mrs. Yenimi Timipre, complained that crude oil had ruined her fishing gear.
Mrs Favour Morgan, the Deputy Woman Leader of the Peremabiri Community, lamented that the spill had ruined their fishing nets, traps, crops and the entire aquatic environment, for which she called for aid.
Morgan said, “This oil spill has thrown the Peremabiri people into despair; we are into farming and fishing as a means of livelihood, and the toxic oil from Shell’s oilfield has damaged our livelihood sources, throwing us into poverty.
“We have no choice but to appeal for outside assistance in the form of reliefs and aid for farmers and fishermen.
