Youths in Ibeno communities, Akwa Ibom State, took to the streets to protest a recent oil spill in their area, demanding immediate cleanup and action from the International Oil Company, the government, and international bodies.
The protest was led by the paramount ruler of Ibeno, His Royal Majesty Effiong Achianga, along with youth leaders.
They expressed deep dissatisfaction with the IOC’s neglect of the host communities, highlighting the severe impact the oil spill has had on their livelihoods.
On Tuesday, the protesters carried placards and banners, chanting slogans like “Clean up our environment now!” and “We demand justice for Ibeno communities!”
According to Channels News, around 27 coastal communities in the state were affected by the fresh oil spill, which allegedly originated from the Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited Offshore facility. The spill reportedly occurred in the early hours of last Thursday.
The affected communities include Inua Eyet Ikot, Iwuo Ukpom, Mkpanak, Esuk Ikim Akwaha, Esuk Ikim Ekeme (Nta Ikang), Itak Idim Nekpe, Itak Ifaha, Ndito Eka Iba, Atia, Okposo I & II, New Barracks, Ineh Atian, Itak Ibang, Upenekang, and Okoro Itak. Others are Iwuochang, Ikot Inwang, Okoro Utip, Ntafre, Atabre Ikan, Idung Abasi Okure, Qua Iboe River, Iwuo Ukpo Opolom, Ineh Ebot, Ineh Ikwe, Ineh Ukpana, and Ntungo Akata.
The protesters said they are tired of the IOC’s lack of concern for their well-being. They noted that the oil spill had destroyed their farmlands, rivers, and forests, leaving them without a source of income or food.
“We demand immediate action from the IOC, the government, and international bodies to address this environmental disaster,” the protesters insisted.
The Commissioner for Environment, Uno Etim Uno, stated that his permanent secretary visited the area with some officials of NASRA to assess the situation. He mentioned that samples of the spill were taken for proper investigation to determine if it was indeed an oil spill.
He urged the people to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the investigation, assuring them that the government is committed to their welfare.
