Panic has spread across several fishing communities in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following an oil spill reportedly linked to crude loading operations at the Nembe Creek oilfield.

The oilfield, located within Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML 29), is operated by Nembe Exploration & Production Limited, formerly known as Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited.

A field report by Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD) said crude oil was observed on the creek and along mangrove banks.

ECARD Lead Field Monitor, Chief Alagoa Morris, said the smell of crude oil became noticeable about two kilometres from Nembe Creek during the organisation’s visit.

According to the organisation, the spill had spread to several fishing settlements, with residents reporting losses in fishing activities and damage to fishing equipment.

The paramount ruler of the Nembe Creek communities, HRH Agent Waya, said the incident had worsened the hardship faced by residents.

Waya said the community reported the spill to naval personnel after Aiteo officials allegedly failed to respond immediately to their concerns.

He added that women from affected communities later protested at the Aiteo facility, demanding relief materials, assessment of damages and compensation.

Waya said residents had given the company three days to provide relief materials because they could no longer engage in fishing.

According to him, the spill occurred while crude oil was being loaded into a barge, which subsequently tilted and discharged crude into the river.

Affected communities listed include Mile 1, Mile 2, Mile 3, Roka, Williamkiri, Atonbarakiri, Korukiri, Madam Wanwakiri, Ewelesuo, Kpongbokiri, Victorkiri, Abuja 1, 2 and 3, Pipeline 1, 2, 3 and 4, Kalakububogo and Etikiri.

The women leader, Mrs Ebi Otokolo, said the polluted water could no longer be used for fishing, domestic activities and other livelihood purposes.

She said residents had been forced to remain indoors because of the smell of crude oil, while fishermen could no longer access their means of livelihood.

Another community resident, Mrs Love Mark, said some fishing nets contaminated by crude oil had become unusable. She put the cost of individual fishing nets at between N150,000 and N170,000.

Former youth president of neighbouring Ewelesuo community, Mr Daukoru Benjaka, called for the inclusion of the community and its fishing camps in the Joint Investigation Visit.

Benjaka said the spill had affected fish catches and aquatic resources, including periwinkles.

ECARD said its observations showed substantial crude oil on the water and mangrove roots. It warned that rising tides could carry the crude deeper into the mangrove ecosystem and affect aquatic organisms such as crabs, oysters and periwinkles.

The organisation said information from the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and Nembe Oil and Gas Committee indicated that the Joint Investigation Visit had identified operational failure as the cause.

However, ECARD said the volume of crude spilled and the extent of the affected area remained inconclusive as of August 26.

The organisation added that the latest incident was part of a history of oil spills associated with operations in OML 29.