26 July 2013, Warri – Twenty Delta and Bayelsa states communities affected by the Qua-Iboe, Eket, Akwa-Ibom State oil spill, which occurred on November 19, 2012 have issued Exxon Mobil a 21-day ultimatum to pay them compensation or face the wrath of the communities.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Alhaji Babadetua Asaba, said the company should also send relief materials to the people.
He noted that five of the affected communities are in Bayelsa State and 15 in Delta State, including Azamabiri, Orobiri, Agge palm Bush, Fishing settlement in Aghoro II, and Jafawei in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa and Kare-Epre, Belle, Okubou Zion, Okofa -Aka, Seleghangbene, Akpagro-fulboat, Youtu I, and II, Okia, Panya, Galiwei, Beneboye and others in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta.
He lamented that the spill had affected the means of livelihood of the people, adding “both farm lands and fishing activities had been disrupted by the pollution.
“We have written to Exxon/Mobile. We are asking for N54 billion to cushion the effect of the spill on our people. Since the incident till date, the company has not even carried out any clean up exercise. I urge the company to do so without further delay to avoid provoking us.”
*Vanguard