Residents of Foropa 2 in Foropa Middleton Kingdom, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, have heir outrage at being left out of the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) regarding the October 4 spill from the Tebidaba-Ogboinbiri pipeline operated by Oando.
Despite clear evidence of the spill’s detrimental effects on their fishing and farming community, Foropa 2 was not included in the investigation team that assessed the site.
Chief Joseph Anda, the Traditional Ruler (Amananawei of Foropa 2), expressed his discontent in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa, highlighting that the exclusion from the JIV report is unacceptable.
He urged the federal and state governments, along with Oando, to acknowledge the community’s grievances and address the oversight.
Anda emphasized the significant damage caused by the oil leak, which was also recognized by a state government assessment team that visited the area.
He insisted that Foropa 2 deserves equal consideration in the investigation process alongside other affected communities.
“Our exclusion from the investigation team is deeply unjust; it subjects us to double jeopardy,” he stated. “We cannot endure this injustice any longer.”
The traditional ruler called on Oando and relevant authorities to reconsider the evidence and ensure that Foropa 2 is included in the remediation and response efforts. (NAN)
