The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has confirmed a major oil spill from Shell’s 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek pipeline at Obololi Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The spill, which has discharged an undetermined volume of crude into the River Nun, has sparked environmental concerns and left local communities grappling with contamination.
SaharaReporters, in an announcement on its official X handle, revealed that NOSDRA is actively investigating the incident. According to a statement by the agency’s Director-General, Chukwuemeka Woke, the oil spill was reported on Monday, prompting NOSDRA to initiate a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) alongside key stakeholders, including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, and representatives from the affected community.
“The cause of the spill remains unknown, as the suspected leak point is submerged in water, making the JIV inconclusive,” Woke stated. He added that SPDC is currently working on deploying a coffer dam to access the leak and determine its cause.
In the meantime, containment measures have been implemented, with spill response teams completing the perimeter control of the affected area. Temporary storage tanks are also en route to the site, and recovery operations for the spilled crude are scheduled to commence on Friday. NOSDRA reassured the public that it is actively monitoring the response efforts to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental safety.
The environmental fallout from the spill has severely impacted Obololi and surrounding communities, whose residents rely on the Nun River for drinking water and fishing. Chief Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, visited the affected areas and pledged to provide an alternative water supply to mitigate the hardship faced by the people.
However, despite Shell’s promise to address the situation, company officials have yet to respond publicly or take decisive action. With tension rising and communities on edge, stakeholders are calling for swift intervention to prevent further ecological and economic damage.
As investigations continue, environmentalists and local leaders are demanding transparency and accountability from Shell, urging the company to expedite its response and implement long-term remediation strategies to protect both human and aquatic life in the region.
PIONEER NEWS 