Rivers community flees as oil spill destroys farmlands

 A fresh oil spill has destroyed farmlands and boreholes in Rumuoduwere community in Elelenwo clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The spill which occurred on Sunday is alleged to be from a Shell Petroleum Development Company facility and has already sent the community members fleeing from the affected area.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the area, on Monday, an opinion leader in the community, Martin Enwuka, berated Shell for its longstanding negligence as he lamented the negative impact of the spill.

Enwuka said, “ Since 1957, Shell has been operating in Rumuoduwere community in Elelenwo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Shell has not been doing anything, you cannot see anything to show that Shell’s presence is in Rumuoduwere here. You won’t see anything. Shell has been spilling oil for the past three years now.