Following the recent oil spill which occurred in Akwa Ibom State, the residents of Ibioete village in Odoroikot community of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have lamented the level of destruction, damage done to households.
It was gathered that the spill which occurred in July, devastated large farmlands and led to the loss of aquatic lives in the affected areas.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Uyo, the village head, Eteidung Akpan J. Ekpo, and Secretary, Elder Akpan I. Akpan, recalled the devastating effect of previous oil spills which occurred in the area between 1996 and 2012.
However, it was disclosed that compensation was paid to the community by the ExxonMobil and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development companies after a visit and confirmation by the Oil companies.
While regretting that the activities of these oil companies have again plunged the community into another oil spill, the villagers called on the state government and relevant agencies to “mop up the spilled oil and pay compensation to the affected fishermen and community accordingly”.
The statement which was copied to the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin, the Paramount Ruler and Stakeholders of community reads in part “It’s unfortunate that Ibioete Village, Odoroikot community in Mkpat Enin LGA, is suffering from the damages caused by the recent Oil Spillage along it Atlantic Ocean.
“History will tell that this same issue happened in 1996 and in 2012 when the concerned oil company i.e. ExxonMobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development company limited visited the community, Tested the water and confirmed that it was a reality.
“Notwithstanding, the community and of course the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area was compensated accordingly. Base on this, the activities of these oil companies again have led to another oil spill this year “July 2023”.
“This has caused a lot of damage to our fishermen at the Atlantic Ocean and within the Creeks / Rivers.
“We use this medium to draw the attention of the state government and the oil companies concerned to, with a matter of urgency “Mop up the spilled oil and pay compensation to the affected Fishermen, community accordingly.”
