FG orders security beef-up at dormant oil wells in Ogoniland

The Federal Government has mandated an urgent enhancement of security measures at all inactive oil wells located in Ogoniland, Rivers State, to deter any potential disruptions or sabotage activities.

Additionally, authorities pledged to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the significant oil spill at the Yorla Oil Field within the Kpean community, part of the Khana Local Government Area of the state.

On Monday, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, shared this information while heading a Federal Government team to evaluate the severity of the damage at the spill location in Kpean, Ogoniland.

It is important to remember that in September, a vast oil spill devastated the oil field, harming agricultural land and plant life in the region.

However, a local advocacy organization, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, directed by Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, claimed that the spill resulted from equipment malfunction.

Nonetheless, during the visit, Ribadu stated that this incident clearly represented an act of sabotage and urged the locals to safeguard both their resources and the nation's.

He remarked, “We have witnessed the destruction. It is widespread and quite distressing, and anyone observing it would genuinely feel sorrow. It is a regrettable situation. Those responsible have effectively managed and contained the spill."

“Currently, evaluations are being conducted to assess the damage and explore restoration strategies to lessen the effects. The unfortunate truth is this is an act of sabotage. This well has been inactive for over three decades."

“Self-serving individuals, deemed enemies of the community, are vandalizing facilities in hopes of illegally obtaining crude. The destruction inflicted is severe. Our visit today demonstrates our concern. We are alarmed. This visit is directly following the directive of the President.”

The National Security Adviser mentioned that resources had been assembled to tackle the spill, confirming that it has now been contained, and that recovery efforts are in progress.

He continued, “One of our initiatives has been to involve the Ogoni community. We prioritize the communities, listen to their voices, and meet their requests, which the Federal Government is actively addressing.”