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The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has condemned Oando PLC over its failure to address the prolonged gas leakage in Azuzuama community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, describing the situation as a serious threat to the livelihood and well-being of the people.
The IYC Central Zone Chairman, Dr Enebraye Patrick Orusengha, who led the council’s delegation on an inspection visit to the affected area, said it was unacceptable that the leakage had persisted for approximately two months and 11 days without decisive intervention.
Dr Enebraye said the incident had struck at the very lifeblood of Azuzuama, where the river is central to the people’s survival, economy and cultural existence.
According to him, residents have been unable to safely use the affected water for drinking and cooking, while fishing and other river-dependent activities that sustain families have been severely disrupted.
He said the consequences extend beyond immediate economic hardship, as the river environment is also integral to the traditional and cultural activities of the people.
The chairman demanded that Oando immediately take responsibility for the situation, rectify the source of the leakage, prevent further environmental harm and provide relief to households whose livelihoods have been affected.
He said a company operating within a host community cannot continue resource extraction while residents bear the consequences of an unresolved incident that has compromised their means of sustenance.
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The IYC also condemned the failure to provide relief materials since the leakage began, noting that families dependent on fishing have been left to confront prolonged hardship without adequate assistance.
Dr Enebraye called on Oando to immediately engage with Azuzuama representatives, provide assistance to affected households and undertake comprehensive measures to restore safety and normal economic activity.
The chairman disclosed that if Oando fails to resolve the gas leakage and address the outstanding issues, the IYC Central Zone will convene a council congress in Azuzuama to deliberate on the matter and determine the appropriate course of action.
He said the congress would deliberate on Oando’s continued operations in the area and could take a resolution calling for the suspension of the company’s operations through lawful and peaceful means should the outstanding issues remain unresolved.
Dr Enebraye stressed that the peaceful character of the Ijaw people must never be interpreted as weakness, adding that the council would continue to utilise dialogue and established channels of engagement in seeking a resolution.
“The Ijaw people are peaceful, as are the people of Bayelsa and Azuzuama, but our peaceful disposition must never be mistaken for weakness,” IYC leadership stated.
