A recent oil spill has affected around 27 coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State, reportedly caused by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s Offshore facility.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday in Ibeno Local Government Area.
The impacted communities include Inua Eyet Ikot, Iwuo Ukpom, Mkpanak, Esuk Ikim Akwaha, Esuk Ikim Ekeme (Nta Ikang), Itak Idim Nekpe, Itak Ifaha, Ndito Eka Iba, Atia, Okposo I & II, New Barracks, Ineh Atian, Itak Ibang, Upenekang, Okoro Itak, Iwuochang, Ikot Inwang, Okoro Utip, Ntafre, Atabre Ikan, Idung Abasi Okure, Qua Iboe River, Iwuo Ukpo Opolom, Ineh Ebot, Ineh Ikwe, Ineh Ukpana, and Ntungo Akata.
Reports indicate that the spill has contaminated local water sources, resulting in the death of fish, fingerlings, and other aquatic life. The impact extends to communities in Ibeno, ONNA, Eket, Esit Eket, and other riverine local government areas.
Uno Etim Uno, the Commissioner for Environment, confirmed the situation to our correspondent in Uyo. He stated that his Permanent Secretary, along with officials from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), visited the site to collect samples for investigation. “We are aware of the spill and have taken samples for analysis to confirm the presence of oil. NOSDRA will determine the nature of the spill. The state government is committed to the welfare of its citizens and will act based on the investigation results,” said Uno.