16 July 2014, Yenagoa—Troubled by the devastation unleashed on their environment by oil spills, impacted communities in Okordia clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have petitioned Shell Petroleum Development Company, asking it to mitigate the oil spill incidence of June 11, 2014, in the area.
The communities, Ayamabele and Kalaba, which have suffered series of oil spills in the past, lamented the destruction of their environment and means of livelihood as a result of the spill at Shell’s Okordia manifold in Ikarama.
The indigenes are predominantly farmers and fishermen, who depend on their environment for livelihood.
In the letter addressed to the Co-ordinator of Shell’s Kolo Creek Office at Imiringi, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, the communities lamented that Shell had not done the needful since the spill occurred.
The letter by the paramount rulers of Ayamabele and Kalaba communities, Tamuno Monday and Orukali Roman, respectively, said: “The spill affected our swamp called Onwu-Onwu-Daba through its natural source. Consequently, the pollution led to the destruction of the entire ecosystem. As you know, we are only farmers and fishermen.
“We hope this peaceful and civilised approach to the issue will be appreciated by you and the entire management of Shell. We look forward to seeing a positive response to our legitimate demand for a safe and sustainable environment.”
– Vanguard