A recent oil spill has devastated approximately 27 coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State, allegedly originating from Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s Offshore facility.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the Ibeno Local Government Area, affecting various communities including Inua Eyet Ikot, Iwuo Ukpom, Mkpanak, and others.
Stakeholders from the affected communities confirmed the development, revealing that the spill has polluted water bodies, resulting in the death of fishes, fingerlings, and other aquatic animals.
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The affected areas span across four local government areas, including Ibeno, ONNA, Eket, Esit Eket, and other riverine communities.
In response, the Commissioner for Environment, Uno Etim Uno, stated that his Permanent Secretary visited the area on Monday alongside National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) officials to collect samples for investigation.
The affected communities were:
1. Inua Eyet Ikot
2. Iwuo Ukpom
3. Mkpanak
4. Esuk Ikim Akwaha
5. Esuk Ikim Ekeme (Nta Ikang)
6. Itak Idim Nekpe
7. Itak Ifaha
8. Ndito Eka Iba
9. Atia
10. Okposo I & II
11. New Barracks
12. Ineh Atian
13. Itak Ibang
14. Upenekang
15. Okoro Itak
16. Iwuochang
17. Ikot Inwang
18. Okoro Utip
19. Ntafre
20. Atabre Ikan
21. Idung Abasi Okure
22. Qua Iboe River
23. Iwuo Ukpo Opolom
24. Ineh Ebot
25. Ineh Ikwe
26. Ineh Ukpana
27. Ntungo Akata
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