The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone has expressed profound concern and anger over the prolonged crude oil spill at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, operated by Heritage Oil.
Daily Report Nigeria earlier reported that the spill was occasioned by dredging activities of Neconde Energy Limited, which led to the rupturing of a trunk line.
In a statement on Thursday morning, the IYC criticized the multinational oil companies for failing to address the leakage promptly, resulting in severe environmental and economic damage to over 100 affected communities.
According to the IYC, the spill, which has persisted for over five days, has led to significant financial losses and disruption of livelihoods for local residents.
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The statement signed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama, Chairman; Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq, Secretary; and Comrade Tare Magbei, Information Officer of the IYC Western Zone, reads;
“HERITAGE OIL AND NECONDE MUST CURTAIL OML 30 SPILL WITHIN 48 HOURS OR FACE DRASTIC ACTION
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone expresses deep grief over the substantial financial losses incurred by Heritage Oil and Neconde due to the ongoing crude oil spill at OML 30.
“It is regrettable that despite the vast resources and expertise available to these multinational oil companies, the leakage has persisted for over five days, further worsening the environmental and economic crisis affecting our communities.
“The IYC shares in the sorrow and suffering of the over 100 communities whose livelihoods have been devastated by this unfortunate incident.
“Fishermen, farmers, and countless others who depend on the health of the waters and land for their daily sustenance have been severely impacted.
“It is disheartening that, despite the apparent urgency, the companies responsible have been unable to mobilize a swift response to contain the spill and mitigate its effects on the environment and the people.
“The IYC, therefore, frowns upon the inability of Heritage Oil and Neconde to bring the situation under control despite having had five days to do so. Such negligence and disregard for the welfare of our people is utter wickedness and unacceptable.
“Prior to this incident, our environment and waterways had enjoyed a great level of senenity. The current spill removes every doubt that multinationals are out to intentionally destroy our environment and aquatic life.
“We hereby issue an ultimatum to Heritage Oil and Neconde: if the crude oil spill at OML 30 is not effectively curtailed within the next 72 hours, the IYC Western Zone will be left with no choice but to take drastic action against the operations of both companies.
“We will not stand idly by while our environment, livelihood, and people suffer due to the incompetence and neglect of these entities.
“We reiterate that the IYC will not condone any more deliberate attempts to degrade our environment, whether through neglect to routineal maintenance or delays for the time for immediate and decisive action is now.”
Meanwhile, Heritage Oil and Neconde have yet to respond to the ultimatum issued by the IYC.
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