Oil spill ignites nonstop fire in Rivers community
A fire outbreak at an NNPC oil facility in Rivers State has ignited widespread concerns and criticism, with the incident reportedly lasting four days. The blaze occurred at the OML15 Bukuma/Buguma flow station in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, allegedly caused by oil spillage in the region.
The prolonged fire has drawn sharp criticism from various groups over the government’s and firefighters’ handling of the situation.
Livingstone Membere, leader of the Kalabari Youths Federation, claimed security operatives were responsible for the fire.
Clifford Christopher, chairman of the Directorate of Human Resources Development (DHRD), urged the government to take immediate action, warning of looming protests and potential legal action if the issue is not addressed.
Christopher stated, “The government must intervene in this matter promptly or face protests and legal actions. The current situation is unacceptable, and the affected communities demand justice.”
The fire’s impact on nearby communities has led to rising tensions, with locals demanding accountability and improved safety measures for oil facilities in the region.
Amidst the controversy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) disclosed its financial contributions, stating it had remitted ₦10 trillion to the federation account as of September 2024.
Malam Mele Kyari, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company’s transparency: “We publish 100% of our accounts yearly and remain Nigeria’s highest taxpayer.”
The incident has reignited debates on environmental safety, government accountability, and corporate responsibility, with calls for swift action to prevent future occurrences and protect affected communities.
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