Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area Hon. Brain Gokpa, has called for an urgent cleanup of an oil spill in Ogale following Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) confirmation that the incident resulted from an operational accident.
Gokpa commended SPDC for acknowledging responsibility, contrasting it with previous spill incidents often blamed on sabotage. He highlighted the severe damage to farmlands and underground water, stressing the need for immediate remedial action.
According to him, the newly affected area is not covered by the UNEP report and therefore requires a fresh cleanup
While expressing support for renewed oil exploration in the resource-rich region, Gokpa criticized SPDC’s approach to community engagement, urging the company to adopt a more transparent and accountable stance.
Asomba Meshach, SPDC’s Head of Government Relations, confirmed during a meeting with the council that the spill occurred at the company’s Ogale manifold. He detailed initial containment efforts and assured further investigations to determine the exact cause.
