The Central Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has raised the alarm over a gas leak that has reportedly lasted for more than two months in Azuzuama Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The council accused Oando Plc of failing to take enough action to address the problem and warned that it could call for the suspension of the company’s operations if the situation remained unresolved.
The IYC Central Zone Chairman, Dr. Enebraye Patrick Orusengha, raised the concern on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the affected area with other members of the council.
He said the gas leak had lasted for about two months and 11 days, adding that it had affected the environment and the daily lives of residents who depend on the river for fishing and other economic activities.
According to him, the river is an important source of food and income for many families in Azuzuama.
Orusengha said residents could no longer safely use the affected water for drinking and cooking, while fishing activities had also been disrupted.
He added that the river was important to the people’s culture and traditions, warning that continued pollution could have serious consequences for the community.
The IYC chairman called on Oando to identify and stop the source of the gas leak, prevent further environmental damage and provide assistance to families affected by the incident.
He said oil and gas companies should not continue their operations while host communities suffer the effects of unresolved environmental problems.
The council also raised concerns over the poor state of electricity supply in Azuzuama. Orusengha alleged that a 100KVA generator provided for the community had remained unused for a long time despite the area’s electricity problems.
He questioned why the company had not helped the community obtain diesel to power the generator, especially as it reportedly uses diesel for its own operations.
The IYC chairman also criticised the company’s alleged reliance on the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) when responding to demands from the community.
He said the law should not be used as an excuse to avoid addressing the concerns of host communities. He stressed that companies operating in such areas should maintain good relationships with residents and provide practical support when their activities affect the people.
The council further expressed disappointment over the alleged failure to provide relief materials to residents since the gas leak began.
According to the IYC, families who depend on fishing for food and income have been left to face economic difficulties without adequate assistance.
Orusengha urged Oando to meet with community representatives, assist affected families and take immediate steps to make the environment safe again.
He warned that the council’s willingness to pursue peaceful dialogue should not be seen as acceptance of the situation.
The chairman disclosed that the IYC Central Zone would organise a congress in Azuzuama if the company failed to address the gas leak and other outstanding issues.
He said the congress would discuss the company’s continued operations in the area and could pass a resolution calling for the suspension of its activities through lawful and peaceful means.
Orusengha stressed that the peaceful nature of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness. He added that the council would continue to use dialogue and other lawful means to seek a solution.
The IYC Central Zone also called for an immediate technical inspection of the affected facility, a full assessment of the environmental and economic effects of the gas leak, urgent measures to stop the leak and proper assistance for affected residents.
The council maintained that oil and gas operations must go hand in hand with environmental protection, respect for host communities and support for the welfare of residents.
It urged Oando to treat the situation in Azuzuama as an urgent matter, warning that further delays could force the council to take additional steps based on the outcome of its planned congress.
The IYC Central Zone reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health, environment, livelihoods, cultural heritage and dignity of the people of Azuzuama through lawful and peaceful means.
The council’s Information Officer, Comr. Boro Francis, reiterated the position, saying the peaceful nature of the Ijaw people, including those in Bayelsa State and Azuzuama, should never be mistaken for weakness.
