By Peter Omopo
A fresh oil spill has struck the Oshika community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, causing extensive environmental damage to farmlands and contaminating local water sources, including the Wome River.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, affected a pipeline operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the firm that recently took over facilities formerly managed by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
Residents and environmental activists have decried the impact of the spill, which they say has further endangered livelihoods in the predominantly agrarian and fishing community.
Environmentalist and Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, attributed the spill to possible third-party interference. In a statement on Monday, Dumnamene said the incident was reported by local volunteers under the One Million Youth Volunteers Network of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters in the Niger Delta.
“Our network of community-based youth volunteers reported that the oil spill was detected in the early hours of May 19. It occurred along the pipeline right of way managed by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd,” he said. “They believe the incident was caused by third-party interference.”
The spill has triggered renewed calls for improved pipeline surveillance, quicker response mechanisms, and stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws in oil-producing areas. Residents are also demanding immediate clean-up and compensation.
