The apex sociocultural body representing oil and gas, bearing communities in Ogoniland : KAGOTE, an acronym for Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, has strongly condemned the recent oil spill at Kpean Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred at Well 14, OML 11, located within the Yola oil field, now under the ownership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
KAGOTE described the spill as a devastating environmental disaster that has severely affected both livelihoods and the natural ecosystem of the host community.
According to the group, the affected area, once known for productive farmlands and thriving aquatic life, has now been left polluted and largely uninhabitable, threatening the survival of residents who depend on farming and fishing.
KAGOTE stated that preliminary findings indicate that the spill resulted from corrosion caused by ageing and poorly maintained facilities, accusing oil operators of continued reliance on obsolete infrastructure at the expense of host communities.
The group noted that the disaster has contaminated water sources, destroyed farmland and fishing areas, and displaced wildlife, further worsening economic hardship and health risks among residents.
Speaking during a briefing, KAGOTE President, Benjamin Harry, described the situation as a tragic example of “man’s inhumanity to man,” stressing that host communities have continued to bear environmental consequences without adequate compensation or remediation.
He lamented that despite years of environmental damage, affected communities are yet to receive meaningful relief or compensation from oil operators.
Harry insisted that oil companies and the new asset owner must compensate communities directly impacted before resuming any oil and gas production in Ogoniland.
He also urged members of the United Landlords Association and residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing justice, assuring them that their grievances would eventually receive attention.
The development has renewed calls for urgent environmental remediation and stricter oversight of oil operations across Ogoniland.