Yenagoa – An environmental rights activist , Mr Alagoa Morris, on Saturday condemned renewed attacks on oil facilities by Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), saying the attacks pollute the environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Bayelsa Government in a statement by Information Commissioner Jonathan Obuebite, confirmed twin attacks by NDA on Agip and Aiteo crude pipelines in Bayelsa.
Morris in reaction to the attacks on crude export trunk lines operated by Agip and Aiteo, said it was a disservice to Niger Delta people, whom the group claims to be fighting for.
“It is very certain that whenever oil /gas facilities are so attacked; there would be spill and leakages.
“ The negative impact on the environment cannot be less than oil spills or gas leaks from other causes, simply because the causative agents are people fighting for their rights.
“No, the impact would be just the same as those resulting from equipment failure or operational failure.
“Incidents such as Shell’s Bonga spill of December, 2011, Chiveron’s KS Endeavour explosion of Jan. 16,2012, off Koluama in Bayelsa, and Agip’s Nov. 27, 2013 spill at Brass Terminal.
“These three incidents are all caused by operational failure, human error.
“And, due to the impact on the environment and livelihood; some communities, groups and individuals are in court with these oil companies; seeking compensation for damages and loss of livelihood,” Morris said.
He said that those who breathe in air so polluted, eat food or fish so polluted, and drink same impacted water faces carbon related health risks.
He explained that when the environment is so impacted and loses fecundity; it takes several years to recover, and this in turn affects sustainable development.
Morris described the incidents of sabotage as self-inflicted injury on the part of Niger Delta people. (NAN)
