By The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene in the worsening environmental and humanitarian crisis caused by “recurring oil spills and ocean surge” in Abereke community of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The body decried the twin crises ravaging the community, noting that livelihoods are being destroyed while a large portion of the community have been submerged.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by CAPPA’s Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, he noted that the call for immediate actions followed a field assessment which revealed the extent of the hardship residents of the community have been subjected to.
“In a statement following a field visit to the community, CAPPA described the situation as ‘devastating and fast deteriorating,’ warning that residents are facing severe environmental degradation and growing economic hardship,” the statement read.
Upon the visit, Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director at CAPPA, attributed the crisis to corporate irresponsibility and government inaction, noting that appeals and complaints from residents have been ignored. He added that the disaster is preventable if immediate actions are taken.
Community members have consistently accused oil companies, including Agip, Shell, Chevron, and Guarantee Petroleum Company, of contributing to the extensive ecological damage in the region
CAPPA further revealed that while multiple oil spills have occurred over time, the recent incident affecting the community is allegedly linked to Guarantee Petroleum company. The organisation further noted that the reoccurring oil spills have contaminated water bodies, destroyed aquatic life, fishing tools, and rendered the community’s main source of livelihood ineffective.
“Fishing, the community’s main source of income, has been disrupted, leaving residents with little means of sustaining their families and pushing many households deeper into poverty,” the statement added.
Besides oil spills, the organisation also raised concerns over what it described as “worsening coastal erosion and tidal surges,” which have submerged large portions of land and left the community exposed to further environmental threats.
“The economic base of Abereke is being rapidly eroded. Families are struggling to fish and their animals, including goats, sheep and pigs, are dying. Even access to clean water now comes at a cost. This is a clear case of environmental injustice,” Ogunlade added.
The organisation also noted children in the community have been forced out of school following the destruction of the only primary school building by tidal waves. In addition, many have also resolved to use local remedies due to the absence of functional healthcare facilities.
The organisation is, therefore, calling for urgent interventions, including a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, immediate clean-up of polluted sites, construction of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent further erosion, compensation for affected residents, restoration of livelihoods, and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure such as schools.
“Like many other suffering communities in Ondo state, the people of Abereke are demanding justice, not charity. Government must act now to protect lives, restore dignity, and hold polluters accountable,” Ogunlade stressed.
CAPPA added that it will continue to amplify the voices of the community and others similarly affected, through its advocacy platforms.
