Rivers’ Community Cries Out Over Environmental Degradation
Jan 27, 2025
Rivers State’s Ifoko Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area has been plagued by an environmental crisis for decades, causing widespread devastation to its ecosystem, threatening livelihoods, and putting public health at risk.
The recent Buguma/Bukuma Oil Field Spill from the OML 18 Well Facility in January 2025 has sparked renewed demands for justice and immediate action.
At a recent news briefing in the community, stakeholders expressed their frustration and condemned the long-standing neglect by both the government and oil companies.
Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison, an environmentalist, described the situation as a “catastrophic failure” by the oil and gas companies operating in the region. He said, “Ifoko has been hit by more than 100 oil spills since oil exploration began in Nigeria. From the Omekwe Ama (Buguma manifold spill in September 2006) to the Buguma-Alakiri trunkline spill in March 2007, and the Santa Barbara spill in 2021, our environment has been systematically destroyed. The latest spill is just another chapter in this tragic story. The mangroves are dying, the fish are gone, and with them, the livelihoods of countless families.”
The Amanyanabo of Ifoko, King Emmanuel Stephen, expressed deep concern over the impact on his people. “Our pristine waters are now a shadow of what they once were. Fishing, which is our primary source of livelihood, is no longer possible. The people of Ifoko are not asking for luxury; we are demanding our right to live in a safe and clean environment. The government and the oil companies must address this issue immediately.”
Chief Igoye Braide, Chairman of the Environmental Rehabilitation Committee, condemned the lack of cleanup and compensation. “Despite hosting NDA oil fields and OML 55 and 15 facilities, we have received nothing but suffering in return. Our demands for remediation and compensation have fallen on deaf ears. This neglect is a gross violation of our rights as host communities.”
The Ifoko Youth Federation Chairman, Opiribo Jack, issued a stern warning. “The environmental degradation in Ifoko is a ticking time bomb. The youth of this community will no longer stand by and watch our future be destroyed. We demand justice, and we demand it now. The oil companies must be held accountable, and the government must take immediate action to clean up our environment and compensate us for the decades of damage.”
The environmental crisis in Ifoko highlights the broader challenges faced by oil-producing communities in Nigeria, where spills and gas flaring continue to wreak havoc on ecosystems and livelihoods.
As the people of Ifoko rise in unity to demand justice, they hope their voices will no longer be ignored. The call is clear: the time for empty promises is over. It is time for action to save Ifoko and restore hope to its people.
