A recent oil spill in the Rumuoduwere community of Elelenwo clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, has devastated farmlands and contaminated boreholes, forcing residents to flee the affected area. The spill, which occurred on Sunday, is reportedly from a facility operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company.
Community leader Martin Enwuka, speaking to reporters after inspecting the damage, criticized Shell for its continued negligence. He highlighted that since 1957, Shell has been operating in the community without providing any tangible benefits, noting that spills have been an ongoing issue for the past three years.
Enwuka expressed frustration with Shell’s lack of communication and responsibility, especially regarding the damage to underground water sources. “All our boreholes here are out of use,” he said, adding that residents have been forced to drill deeper wells repeatedly due to contamination.
He called on both the Rivers State and Federal Governments to intervene and hold Shell accountable for the destruction of farmlands and water sources, demanding that the company stop polluting their environment and address the community’s grievances.
