The spill, which reportedly originated from a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility, has already posed a threat to the community, with residents fleeing the area due to fears of potential danger.
Speaking to newsmen at the site of the spill shortly after inspection, Eze Oha Oduwere the fourth, Eze Kenneth Otto, described the spill as unfortunate and accused SPDC of neglecting the situation.
Eze Ndamati-Otto, the Head and Paramount Ruler of Rumuoduwere, demanded that SPDC urgently address the spill and restore the community’s livelihood.
Eze Ndamati-Otto further called on Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the State Commissioner for Environment to intervene and compel SPDC to clean up the spill, emphasizing that all previous appeals to Shell have been unsuccessful.
Also speaking, Martin Enwuka, an opinion leader in the community, highlighted the negative impact of the spill on public health, including contamination of drinking water, damage to farm produce, and harm to the local ecosystem.
Enwuka stressed the need for immediate cleanup to allow residents to return to their normal lives.
He also noted that since Shell’s arrival in the community in 1957, it has failed to contribute to local development, employment, and scholarships.
Today’s FM’s Uchemdi Ejiohwhor reports that efforts to reach SPDC for a response have been unsuccessful, and the Community Liaison Officer has not responded to calls.
