Edith CHUKU
Member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante, has raised concerns over the gas leakage in Ofioma-Ama Alakiri, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Abiante who is also the Nigerian Democratic Congress Senatorial Candidate, Rivers South-East Senatorial District, in the forthcoming 2027 Election lamented that the continued gas leak and persistent wellhead fire at Alakiri oil well 9 have plunged the people into unacceptable health risks, economic ruin and environmental devastation.
According to him, the continual release of toxic hydrocarbon into the atmosphere forces residents of Ofioma-Ama and surrounding Wakirike communities to inhale poisonous fumes daily.
The NDC candidate expressed worry that mothers, children and elderly citizens were at high risk of severe respiratory illnesses and long-term health complications.
Abiante insisted that Ofioma-Ama people, and the entire Okrika cannot continue to bear the devastating brunt of industrial negligence while their air, land, and water sources are poisoned.
His words: “I write with a deep sense of sorrow and indignation regarding the ongoing environmental and human rights disaster unfolding in Ofioma-Ama, Alakiri, within Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“The toxic gas leakage in Ofioma-Ama Alakiri is a catastrophic event that highlights the persistent negligence of oil and gas operators in the Niger Delta. The continuous release of toxic hydrocarbons into the atmosphere forces the residents of Ofioma-Ama and surrounding Wakirike communities to inhale poisonous fumes daily.
“As a predominantly riverine people, our livelihoods depend heavily on fishing and marine commerce. The ongoing leak and fire on the water surface have poisoned local fishing grounds, destroyed nets, and crippled the local economy. The failure to swiftly contain this emergency is causing severe, irreversible damage to the fragile aquatic ecosystem and mangrove forests of the Niger Delta.”
He called for the “immediate intervention by NNPCL and regulators: It is my humble appeal that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and relevant operators mobilize emergency technical response teams to extinguish the fire and plug the leak immediately.
“Comprehensive Joint Investigation Visit (JIV): A transparent Joint Investigation Visit involving community representatives, environmental experts, and civil society must be conducted to establish the root cause and full scale of the impact.
“Medical Relief and Relief Materials: NNPCL and government disaster management agencies must immediately deploy mobile medical units, clean drinking water, and relief materials to the affected residents of Ofioma-Ama and neighboring communities.
“Remediation and Compensation: In compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, full environmental cleanup, ecosystem restoration, and adequate compensation must be provided to affected individuals and the host community.
“The government exists first and foremost to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens. The ongoing neglect of the situation at Ofioma-Ama Alakiri is an unacceptable violation of our fundamental rights to a safe and healthy environment.
“I stand resolutely with the chiefs, elders, youth, women, and the entire people of Okrika LGA. We will not remain silent while our communities suffer. We demand swift, accountable action today, not promises tomorrow.”
