Ogoni Communities Fear Worsening Oil Spill as SPDC Initiates Investigation

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has verified the oil spill alert issued by certain groups and has commenced investigations.

Following alerts raised by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) regarding the spreading spill, SPDC promptly responded and confirmed the occurrence of the spill on June 11.

In its statement, SPDC acknowledged the spill incident at a facility in Eleme, Rivers State, where the joint venture operates.

“We are working closely with a multi-stakeholder Joint Investigation Visit team led by the regulators, Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in collaboration with Rivers State Ministry of Environment, and community representatives, as the investigation into the cause and impact of the incident progresses.

“Meanwhile, the SPDC Emergency Response and Spill Response teams have been activated, subject to safety requirements, to mobilise to the site to take actions that may be necessary for the safety of environment, people and equipment.

“We will continue to provide updates as new information emerges, and we appreciate the understanding and support of the community at this time.”

MOSOP claims significant spillage impacting Ogale, Aleto, Agbonchia, Onne, Okpaku, and Alesa, all situated within Eleme local government area of Rivers State. These areas fall under Oil Mining License 11, which was previously closed by Shell more than two decades ago due to a community crisis resulting in tragic loss of lives, including the infamous trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other eight individuals known as the ‘Ogoni-9.’

While no authority has officially taken responsibility for the recent spill, MOSOP asserts that the spill originates from SPDC facilities—a claim now confirmed by the oil company.

MOSOP expresses concern that SPDC, as the owner of the pipelines, has not yet halted the spill, raising fears of potential impacts extending beyond Ogoni to neighboring communities.

Shell, pending ongoing investigations, has not disclosed the cause of the spill. However, the company consistently emphasizes that it no longer conducts oil drilling operations in Ogoni, attributing most recent spills to what they label as third-party interference, such as pipeline breaches and oil theft.