Environmental concerns are mounting in Bayelsa’s Azuzuama community as Oando has yet to officially determine the cause of an oil spill over two weeks after leak occurred.

The spill, along an Oando pipeline, is believed to be the first reported incident since the company acquired the asset from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

According to the Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD), Oando, government regulators and community representatives have visited the site three times.

ECARD said the affected pipeline section was excavated, exposed and examined during the inspections.

However, the organisation said no official Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) report has identified the cause of the spill.

Community residents reportedly believe the spill resulted from equipment failure, although regulators have not confirmed that conclusion.

ECARD also raised concerns about a suspected underwater leak at another location within the affected area, warning it could worsen environmental damage.

Community leaders, including Community Development Committee Chairman Pere Angasei and Vice Chairman Uyabara, expressed frustration over the delay in determining the spill’s cause.

They said residents remain patient but are worried as crude oil continues spreading through mangrove swamps, threatening biodiversity and local livelihoods.

The leaders urged Oando and relevant regulators to return promptly, conclude investigations and commence effective remediation.

The incident has revived painful memories of the 2015 Azuzuama pipeline tragedy.

In July 2015, 14 people, including officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Bayelsa’Ministry of Environment, were killed in a pipeline explosion during a Joint Investigation Visit.

The victims had gathered to investigate an oil spill when the explosion occurred, making it one of Nigeria’s deadliest oil spill investigation disasters.

ECARD’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Alagoa Morris, said the organisation would provide further updates as investigations continue.

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