The Ikot-Ebidang community in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is gearing up to block and stop operations of Natural Oilfield Services Limited, an oil company operating in the area.
The community alleges severe environmental pollution due to hydrocarbon discharge, leading to detrimental effects on the lives of its residents.
Large emissions of hydrocarbon have reportedly contaminated the environment, causing damage to water sources, the ecosystem, and resulting in various health issues such as skin rashes, respiratory diseases, bronchitis, and asthma among the residents.
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Represented by the Ikot-Ebidang Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, the community claims to have notified the oil firm about the discharge and issued a seven-day ultimatum for the cleanup of the environment and compensation for the damages.
Expressing frustration, the community laments that the oil company has failed to take any action, even after several intervention meetings called by the paramount ruler of Onna Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Raymond Inyang.
In a statement issued by the President of the Ikot-Ebidang Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Dr. David Udonsek, the community announced its intention to mobilize for mass protests and initiate litigation as a last resort.
Dr. Udonsek emphasized their preparedness to block the company’s operations until Ikot Ebidang is cleaned up, remediated, and appropriate compensation is provided.
Expressing disappointment with the oil firm’s lack of mitigation measures during the discharge period, the community accuses the company of neglect, refusal, and failure to prevent the spread of hydrocarbon, resulting in the negative impact on neighboring communities.
Dr. Udonsek highlighted the hazardous health conditions, poverty, stress, and psychological trauma faced by the community, considering it a violation of their right to life and a living environment as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Efforts to reach the management of Natural Oilfield Services Limited for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The community remains steadfast in its determination to address the environmental issues and seek justice through legal means.
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