A fire broke out at a wellhead in OML15, located at the Bukuma/Buguma flow station in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The fire, which lasted for four days, is believed to have been caused by security agencies shelling the area to prevent oil theft, which led to an oil spill.
Civil society groups have criticized the delayed response in extinguishing the blaze.
Livingstone Membere, leader of the Kalabari Youths Federation, said that the repeated security raids contributed to the spill and subsequent fire.
Environmental groups such as the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and the Defense for Human Rights and Democracy (DHRD) have condemned the lack of action from authorities, urging immediate intervention to prevent further damage.
EDEN’s Executive Director, Chima Williams, criticized the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and oil agencies for failing to act swiftly, warning that the spill has caused severe environmental damage and threatens public health.
He also called for more environmentally-conscious approaches to combat oil theft in the region.
DHRD Chairman, Clifford Christopher, expressed concern over the long-term effects on local communities, urging the government and NNPCL to take urgent steps to resolve the situation, Vanguard reports.
Christopher warned of protests and legal action if the issue is not addressed within seven days.
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