Residents of six communities in Abak Midim Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have raised the alarm over alleged oil pollution of their major source of drinking water, warning of a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases.
The affected communities—Ikot Obio Atara, Ikot Akpan Udo, Ikot Etegh-Ideh, Ikot Utiat, Ikot Akpakpan and Ikot Iko, are located along the East-West Road corridor near the Akwa Ibom-Rivers State boundary. Residents alleged that chemical contamination associated with the exploration and pipeline activities of Sterling Global Oil Exploration Company (SGOEC) had polluted their streams, destroyed farmlands and disrupted fishing activities.
The residents said the affected stream, which connects to the Imo River, has for generations served as their principal source of water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, farming and fishing.
They alleged that the water changed colour and became muddy and brownish after the commencement of the company’s activities in the area, leaving many families to travel to neighbouring communities to purchase potable water.
A local farmer, Effiong Bassey, alleged that children, women and elderly residents had suffered illnesses which he attributed to prolonged exposure to the contaminated water. “Many of us, including children, mothers and the elderly, are suffering from water-borne diseases because we drink contaminated water polluted by spills and fumes from the company’s exploration activities,” he said.
The allegations came to public attention following a fact-finding visit to the communities by members of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Media Advocates (ISDMA), who expressed concern over what they described as the destruction of livelihoods without corresponding development interventions.
Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Sunday Festus, also criticised the company’s relationship with its host communities, alleging that it had failed to demonstrate adequate corporate social responsibility despite the hardship reportedly being experienced by residents.
“On Corporate Social Responsibility, I will honestly rate Sterling Global zero. A company operating in our communities should not allow our people to suffer this level of hardship,” Festus said, stressing that the affected communities deserved access to potable water and other basic amenities.
The Village Head of Ikot Utiat, Etteidung Akpan Moses Adambanga, described the situation as a humanitarian concern. He alleged that the community’s stream became polluted shortly after the company commenced underground pipeline construction in the area, appealing to the state government to compel the company to undertake environmental remediation and provide alternative sources of potable water.
A youth representative, Mr. Nnamso Fred, an environmental, health and safety professional, alleged that the stream, which was previously clear, had become brownish and muddy, while aquatic life had significantly reduced. He claimed residents first noticed the deterioration about three years ago and subsequently reported it to representatives of Sterling Global.
According to Fred, company representatives visited the site and inspected the affected water source but, he alleged, no remedial action had followed. “Residents are still left without potable drinking water. Families now buy water from neighbouring communities,” he claimed.
The Youth President of Ikot Utiat, Mr. Nelson Nkanga, called for the provision of a solar-powered water project, rehabilitation of access roads and employment opportunities for youths in the affected communities.
At Ikot Akpakpan, members of the fact-finding team reportedly observed that the community’s only water source had also become brownish and clay-like. A resident, Mrs. Courage Mfon, alleged that children had fallen ill after consuming the water, with some reportedly requiring hospital treatment.
Another resident, Mr. Ubong Akpan Solomon, said villagers now travel considerable distances and spend significant amounts of money to obtain water, urging both the Akwa Ibom State Government and Sterling Global to urgently intervene.
Residents of the other affected communities made similar allegations, claiming that streams which had remained reliable sources of water for decades became discoloured following drilling and pipeline activities.
When contacted at the company’s project site along the East-West Road, a representative of Sterling Global, who identified himself as Subanhkl, declined to comment on the allegations, saying he could not make an official statement without approval from the company’s head office.
The communities are now calling for an independent assessment of the alleged pollution, environmental remediation, provision of safe drinking water and urgent intervention by relevant government agencies to prevent a potential public health crisis.
