Two major flow stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the Cawthorne Channel area of Western Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, were engulfed in flames on Wednesday, triggering fears of environmental devastation and human casualties.
Unaccounted Crew and Suspected Negligence
Reports indicate that an unspecified number of crew members present at the stations during the explosion remain missing. Preliminary suspicions point to lapses in safety protocols and a disregard for global best practices in managing oil and gas facilities as possible causes of the inferno.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another fire outbreak at OML 18 in Bukuma Creek, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, highlighting an alarming pattern of accidents in the Niger Delta, often attributed to gas leaks and oil spills.
Environmental and Livelihood Devastation
A viral video circulating online shows the massive blaze consuming surrounding water bodies, decimating fish populations and other aquatic life that serve as the primary sources of livelihood for local communities. The ecological impact of the fire is already being felt, with fears of long-term environmental degradation.
Community Leaders Demand Accountability
Daniel Pollyn, a community leader from the Cawthorne Channel, confirmed the fire and expressed deep concern over the NNPCL’s silence more than 24 hours after the incident. Search and rescue efforts are underway, but the number of casualties remains unknown.
“We have not been able to ascertain the number of casualties for now. But all the crew workers in the affected vessels are still being searched for as I speak,” Pollyn stated.
Pollyn criticized NNPCL for alleged negligence and called for an immediate Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the exact cause of the disaster. He also urged the government and the company to provide relief materials for affected residents, ensure fair compensation for environmental damage, and initiate thorough clean-up and remediation efforts.
Calls for Regulatory Action
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also confirmed the explosion and the crude oil spill into the Bonny waterways. Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC-Nigeria’s Executive Director, urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to assess the volume of crude spilled and hold NNPCL accountable.
“This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human crisis. The livelihoods of entire communities are at stake,” Dr. Fyneface emphasized.
As community representatives and NNPCL officials engage in discussions to address the crisis, residents await swift and decisive action to prevent further harm and ensure accountability for the environmental disaster that has shaken Rivers State
