Farmlands Destroyed by huge oil spills in Bayelsa

There was huge oil spill yesterday in Ekole Creek around Agbura and Otuokpoti communities in Ogbia and Yenagoa Local Gov­ernment Areas of Bayelsa State leading to the de­struction of farmlands and marine lives in the com­munities.According to residents, the oil spill resulted from an oilfield operated by Ni­geria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) which destroyed farmlands and aquatic lives in the communities.Crude oil de­posits from the spillage measured about five centi­metre thick on the surface of the water.The incident attracted residents who trooped out to scoop the flowing crude oil.A resident of Otuokpoti community, Mrs. Cecilia Osain said the spillage has negatively affected fishing activities in the river.According to her, those who went fishing came back with no catch as the crude oil has forced the fishes, crayfish and shrimps to scamper into the high seas beyond the reach of artisanal fishermen.Osain, who also scooped the crude said, bathing in the river is no longer safe for residents as those who did complain of itching all over their bodies.She said that the com­munity relied on the creek for water for drinking and domestic use.Meanwhile, the people of Otuokpoti community have appealed to the state government to provide re­lief materials to take care of the plight of the people.