Agip Oil Spillage: Imo Govt step Into Ohaji-Egbema Pollution Crisis

Press Release

• Imo State Government has indicated interest towards addressing the recent restiveness occasioned by the recent of pollution of over thirteen communities in Ohaji/Egbema from the explosion of hydrocarbon storage tanks of AGIP.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere stated this when he paid an unscheduled visit to Obokofia, mmahu and the local government headquarters of Ohaji Egbema local governments.

Addressing some stakeholders after inspecting the level of pollution in Oloshi river and some of the affected areas, Prince Madumere said that the aim of the visit was to get firsthand information on the level of effect the pollution has had on the environment, which was caused by the oil spillage from storage facilities of AGIP Company operating in the area.

Prince Madumere who said he was directed by the Governor to personally come and see things himself said the government will partner with the leaders of the affected communities and bring the AGIP Oil Exploration Company to the round table to ensure that right things are done.

He therefore called on the affected communities especially the youths of the area to remain calm and urged them not to take laws into their hand.

He also reminded the people of Ohaji/Egbema the resolve of 

the Rescue Mission Government to ensure that every 

community is carried along and that none is left behind in 

the scheme of things.

Earlier in his remarks, the deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Chief Orji 

and the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of 

Ohaji/Egbema local government area, Chief Gideon Mefor to 

their people stressed the need for their people to be calm and law abiding.

Other community leaders who spoke at various points are 

include Hon. Justice Harcourt  and HRH, Eze Justice Okwuodu 

who explained that the explosion, which took place   at 

Ibeocha location in Rivers State affected about thirteen 

communities of Ohaji/Egbema local government which, has 

affected house, polluted rivers, destroyed aquatic life and food 

web in the environment.

They decried the neglect of the oil companies especially 

AGIP for non-implementation of MoUs reached with many 

years back.

They therefore appealed to Imo State Government to wade 

into the matter since they did not want to take laws into 

their hands.