Residents of Ntafre, a remote oil-producing community in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have raised the alarm over a suspected crude oil spill that has contaminated their creek and disrupted fishing activities.
The residents said the pollution has also affected their access to safe water, as the community relies heavily on the creek and other available water sources.
The community’s youth president, Nelson Smith, said fishermen first noticed a strong petroleum smell and crude oil-like stains on their boats while fishing on September 10.
Following the report, officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment visited the community on September 11 to inspect the affected area.
During a Joint Investigation Visit on September 16, investigators reportedly observed suspected oil stains on vegetation, shrubs, mangrove stems, soil and sediment around the creek.
Dead aquatic organisms, including barnacles, were also reportedly found in some parts of the creek, while a petroleum smell was noticed around the area.
Officials collected samples of water, sediment and stained vegetation for laboratory analysis and oil fingerprinting in Port Harcourt to determine the characteristics and possible source of the contamination.
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Representatives of Seplat Energy, Tulcan Energy, Savannah Energy and Amni International participated in the investigation, while some other companies were invited but did not take part in the field inspection.
NOSDRA said the source of the suspected spill had not yet been established and that laboratory results would help determine where the oil came from and guide further action.
Residents said the incident had affected their fishing activities and reduced their catches, worsening the challenges faced by the community.
The village head, Akpan Bassey, said Ntafre also lacks basic infrastructure, including pipe-borne water and a medical centre, leaving residents with limited alternatives amid concerns over the suspected contamination.
The community is now awaiting the outcome of the laboratory analysis as authorities continue investigating the source and environmental impact of the suspected crude oil spill.
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