By Elizabeth Adamson, JKNewsMedia Intern
GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL and humanitarian concerns have been raised in Abereke community of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, where recurring oil spills and ocean surges have destroyed livelihoods and submerged large parts of the area.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) said in a statement issued after a field visit and signed by Robert Egbe, its Media and Communication Officer, that the situation in the community is “devastating and fast deteriorating.”
It adds that the residents are facing severe environmental degradation and increasing economic hardship.
CAPPA also stated that the latest oil spill in the area, allegedly linked to Guarantee Petroleum Company, occurred last October, with its effects still impacting the community.
Its assessment found widespread contamination of water bodies, resulting in the destruction of aquatic life and fishing tools, including nets, boats and engines, as well as the death of domestic animals.
Fishing, identified as the main source of income in the community, has been disrupted, leaving residents with limited means of livelihood and pushing households deeper into poverty.
The group also highlighted worsening coastal erosion and tidal surges, noting that large portions of land have been submerged, leaving the community exposed to further incursions.
Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director at CAPPA, said, “Abereke is in the throes of a preventable disaster. What we saw is a community abandoned to the combined impacts of corporate irresponsibility and government inaction. This cannot continue.”
He added that families are struggling to fish, while animals including goats, sheep and pigs are dying, with access to clean water now coming at a cost.
CAPPA further stated that critical infrastructure has collapsed, including the community’s only primary school, which it said has been destroyed by tidal waves, cutting off access to education for children.
It added that the absence of healthcare facilities has left residents vulnerable, with many relying on local remedies.
The organisation noted that despite repeated appeals, including letters and complaints made by the community to Ondo State authorities, there has been little response from the government or oil companies operating in the area.
“Communities like Abereke continue to pay the price for extractive activities they do not benefit from. The silence and inaction of both government and corporations are unacceptable,” the statement said.
Also, JKNewsMedia.com reports that CAPPA called for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, immediate clean-up of polluted sites and the construction of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent further erosion.
It also demanded compensation for affected residents, restoration of livelihoods and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure such as schools.
The organisation stated that oil spillage remains a persistent problem across Ilaje area of Ondo State, with community members accusing oil companies including Agip, Shell, Chevron and Guarantee Petroleum Company of contributing to ecological damage in the region.
“Like many other suffering communities in Ondo state, the people of Abereke are demanding justice, not charity. Government must act now to protect lives, restore dignity, and hold polluters accountable,” Ogunlade said.
Moreover, CAPPA said it would continue to amplify the voices of the community and others affected through its advocacy platforms.
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