An oil spill has occurred in B-Dere Community, Gokana Local Council of Rivers State, after the Trans Niger Pipeline erupted on May 6, 2025.

The incident, suspected to be caused by equipment failure, has triggered streams of crude oil flowing through the community, causing widespread damage and displacement.

Recall that a similar explosion occurred in the Bodo Community on March 7, 2025, which caused a massive fire that spread through the mangroves.

The spill brought crude oil into the homes of many residents, affecting their health and livelihoods.

Community members said the thick smell of crude oil has made breathing difficult, and some residents are unable to light fires in their kitchens, making it hard to cook.

The woman leader of the community, Mrs Augustina Biebie, noted that there is a high level of restlessness in the community, stating that the spill has worsened the situation.

She said: “The spill brought crude oil into the houses of many of our people. The thick smell of crude oil has affected our health. Breathing has become a problem, and it has become difficult to even feed because some of us cannot light fires in our kitchens.”

Also, Pastor Kpobari Bani, whose house was affected, said: “Since this incident started, I have not been able to cook for fear of explosion. My mother has been displaced and has moved to a neighbour’s house for fear of the explosion.”

He called on the government and relevant authorities to come to their aid and bring remedy to the land.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr Nnimmo Bassey, expressed disappointment over the level of neglect to communities.

He said, “We are in a disaster zone, and further disasters can erupt from even an accidental spark of fire. The slow response of government and oil companies underscores the lack of care for the people and the environment.”

Bassey emphasised that the government should focus on cleaning up Ogoniland and not seek to open new oil wells.

“The old wells should be shutdown, and decommissioned. Our communities must not continue to be sacrificed on the altar of petrodollars.”