Azama Community Raises Alarm Over Oil Spill Devastation, Accuses NNPC, OMS Of Intimidation, Neglect

By Freeborn Abraye

Azama community in Delta state. Warri, South West local government Area has decried environmental devastation and alleged intimidation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), its contractors Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS), and the Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising the Nigerian Army and Navy, over a prolonged oil spill from a pipeline.

Speaking to Coastal Times Media, community leaders, including Comrade Arthur Gbenekama Mulade, Chairman of Azama Community; Captain Friday Denkeden, Chairman of Kunukunuama Federated Community; Mr. Rocky Kimawei, Public Relations Officer of Azama Community; and Mrs. Cecilia Amami, the Women Leader, lamented the lack of engagement by the oil companies and the use of military forces to suppress the community’s demands.

Months-Long Oil Spill Crisis

According to Comrade Gbenekama Mulade, the oil spill occurred on the NNPC/OMS pipeline about six to seven months ago but was only discovered by the community three weeks prior. Upon discovering the leakage, the community promptly reported it to the companies involved, expecting a collaborative resolution.

“Instead of engaging the community before carrying out repairs, NNPC and OMS unilaterally proceeded with the work, ignoring our input and concerns,” Gbenekama stated. “When an oil spill occurs, the affected companies are required to provide relief materials to impacted communities and engage them in the cleanup and repair process. However, they failed to do so, prompting us to call for government intervention.”

Claims of Intimidation by Military Forces

Efforts by the community to dialogue with NNPC, OMS, and the JTF were reportedly met with resistance. The chairman alleged that the companies deployed military forces to intimidate residents, preventing them from monitoring or participating in the repair activities.

“We reached out to NNPC, OMS, and even the military to ensure proper engagement,” Gbenekama continued. “Instead, the military was used to restrict our movements and silence our concerns. This is the same way other communities like Ikpokpo, Tebujoh, Opudebubor, and Opuede were treated during a similar spill last year. This time, we will not remain silent.”

Call for Government Intervention

Captain Friday Denkeden of Kunukunuama Federated Community echoed the chairman’s sentiments, stressing the need for oil companies to act responsibly.

“We approached NNPC personnel to address the issue amicably, only to discover that they had already started the repair work without involving us,” Denkeden said. “When we attempted to stop them, the military intervened to restrict us. The government must intervene as the military, which should mediate, is instead exacerbating the situation.”

Impact on Livelihoods

Highlighting the devastating impact of the spill, Mrs. Cecilia Amami, the community’s Women Leader, stated that the pollution has destroyed fishing equipment, making it impossible for residents to fish or sustain their livelihoods.

“The oil spill has rendered our waters unfit for fishing. To make matters worse, we are afraid to go out to fish due to the presence of gunboats. The government must come to our aid,” Mrs. Amami pleaded.

Demands from Azama Community
The community demands:

1. Immediate provision of relief materials to affected residents.
2. Active engagement of the community in all spill-related activities.
3. Withdrawal of military forces to facilitate peaceful dialogue.
4. Comprehensive cleanup of the impacted environment.

The Azama community leaders called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to hold NNPC and OMS accountable while ensuring justice for the affected residents.

As tensions rise, the Azama community remains steadfast in its fight for environmental justice and equitable treatment, vowing to hold the responsible parties accountable for the devastation caused.

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