In accordance with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, environmental activists from Ogoni in Rivers State have urged the Federal Government to immediately shut down all aging oil wells in Ogoniland.
The demand comes after a new oil leak from Well 14 in Yola, Kpean, Khana Local Government Area on August 3 and a subsequent fire outbreak that impacted farms and rivers on August 15.
The Activists, including Celestine AkpoBari, Kentebe Ebiaridor, and Friday Barilule, stated at a press conference in Port Harcourt that page 205 of the UNEP report specifically recommended decommissioning of worn-out oil facilities to prevent disasters.
He lamented that the Federal Government and NNPC Limited have failed to implement this crucial recommendation years after it was released.
He claimed a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) carried out on August 13 confirmed that the incident was the result of operational carelessness and equipment failure, with particular severe rust and corrosion to a wellhead that had been abandoned since 1993.
According to AkpoBari, “This is not an isolated case,” recalling that another spill from the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, which impacted B-Dere community on May 7, 2025, impacted farmland and homes but continues to be addressed.
Read more about the eight people killed in the Ebonyi floods that have destroyed homes and farmland.
He warned that if no immediate action is taken, Kpean alone has over 17 aging wells that are in danger of collapsing.
AkpoBari argued that communities were being threatened by ongoing oil spills and federal neglect.
Residents are prepared to launch massive demonstrations and international advocacy if no action is taken right away, he warned.
He urged the federal government, regulatory bodies, and the international community to hold NNPC accountable and ensure Ogoniland’s citizens’ safety and survival.
The group of activists also demands that farmers and fishermen whose livelihoods are impacted receive adequate compensation, full environmental protection, extinguishment, and securing of oil wells in Kpean to stop further hazards.
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply