Special Report: Rivers Communities Battle Environmental Crisis After NNPCL Oil Well Fire
Story Written by Okafor joseph August 27,2025
Several communities in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State are grappling with an environmental catastrophe following a devastating fire that engulfed Zion City in January this year.
The inferno, triggered by an oil and gas spill from OML 18, Well 8 operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), raged for weeks, destroying hectares of land. Six months later, large portions of the affected area remain scorched and barren, unable to sustain even weeds.
Today, the damaged oil well still emits ominous hissing sounds, leaving residents fearful of another disaster. “The same sound came before the first explosion,” one resident said, warning of the possibility of a repeat tragedy.
Widespread Impact
The oil spill and subsequent fire affected 17 communities, including Bukuma, Okpurata, Christ Liberty, Daily Bread, and Ambiama. Water sources were contaminated, fishing grounds destroyed, and farmland rendered useless.
Local leaders say the disaster has plunged thousands of families into hardship. Once-thriving fishing communities now struggle with hunger and joblessness as rivers and creeks are polluted beyond use.
Chief Steven Jeremiah Tobis, the King of Bukuma, lamented that NNPCL ignored repeated warnings about the spill.
“So, the gas took off, and along the line, it turned into heavy fire. The fire consumed many houses. Up till now, people are homeless in Zion City. Many houses were burnt. The flames were so intense that they spread across 18 neighbouring communities,” he said.
Negligence and Inaction
Community leaders accused NNPCL of abandoning the facilities for years without maintenance. Despite several public hearings convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, NNPCL failed to appear or provide relief materials for victims.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has also held NNPCL responsible for the crisis, citing negligence in managing its facilities.
Voices from the Ground
Tuomora Amagboruju, woman leader of Bukuma and an indigene of Zion City, urged President Bola Tinubu to compel NNPCL to carry out a comprehensive cleanup and environmental restoration.
“NNPCL is not bigger than the Nigerian government,” she said, calling for urgent intervention.
At Okpuruta village, Community Development Chairman Godukoye Natebou described how life had collapsed since the spill.
“Fishing is no longer possible. People have deserted the community because the water and air are polluted. The place is empty now,” he said.
Other residents painted a similar picture of devastation. Alali Aworiabo recalled how the community once thrived with farming and trade before the disaster forced many to abandon their homes.
Another, MacDonald Beresibo, described how crude oil spread across trees and homes before the fire erupted.
“The crude covered hectares of land, it was like rain falling on our trees and buildings. There was nobody on the ground to stop it,” he lamented.
Ongoing Cleanup
As of August, NNPCL has reportedly commenced cleanup activities in the affected communities. However, the exercise initially sparked protests from locals who accused the company of neglect and demanded greater accountability. A truce has since been reached, allowing work to continue.
Still, residents insist that only a thorough environmental cleanup, compensation, and restoration of livelihoods can heal the scars left by the disaster.
