THE GUARDIAN

As Dead Fishes Continue To Litter Shorelines

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has lamented the daily discovery of dead fishes littering the shorelines of coastal communities along the Atlantic Ocean in Niger Delta, calling for immediate action from the Federal Government and oil majors operating in the area.

A statement signed by Kennedy Olorogun, Chairman, IYC Transition Implementation Committee and Frank Akiefa, Secretary, said Bonny, Forcados and other surrounding coastal communities are presently facing severe case of oil pollution and other toxic substances in the midst of the global pandemic.

They lamented that even as the world grapples with one of the worst global health challenges in recent times, marine life and human existence are under threat in the Niger Delta.

The statement said: “If you go to Bonny now, you will be amazed at the extent of destruction there. You will see dead fishes floating on the river. Fishermen in the area can longer go to fish. In this season of Coronavirus, you can better imagine what the people in these areas are experiencing. The entire body of water surrounding these communities is saturated with oil spills. Everything in the water is dead. What these communities are facing is also applicable to other riverine communities of Delta, Edo and Bayelsa. If nothing is done urgently, it may lead to an uprising.

“The government has deliberated refused to send palliatives during this national and global lockdown to Niger Delta communities. And they say we are ‘One Nigeria.’ A time will come and very soon too, when resources found in our area would be used to develop our communities alone…

“There are unconfirmed reports that some major oil companies operating in these areas may have discharged very dangerous toxic substances into the rivers and creeks…”

They added that the leadership of the IYC Transition Implementation Committee would not sit idly and watch any community in Ijaw land or Niger Delta destroyed by the avarice of people who have not and are not contributing to the country’s economic wellbeing.

The IYC called on relevant government institutions and agencies to swiftly come to the aid of the Ijaw communities to mitigate the effect of the oil pollution.