Residents from multiple Niger Delta communities have voiced serious concerns regarding the alarming rise in health issues and unusual deaths linked to persistent oil spills and gas leaks in their regions. During the recent Eco-Festival held in Port Harcourt, participants highlighted the severe impact of oil exploration on their health and environment, calling for urgent action and accountability from oil companies.

The event, organized by the environmental rights group We the People, aimed to raise awareness about the socio-environmental consequences of oil activities in the Niger Delta. Communities from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states gathered to share their experiences and seek justice for the degradation they have endured over the years.

Precious Ibegwura, a resident of Erema Community in Rivers State, described the dire situation in her community, stating, "Our community today is nothing to write home about. Erema is now a community of tears. The oil companies have destroyed our land. They have left pollution everywhere." Ibegwura emphasized that the health challenges faced by residents are severe, with many people suffering from various ailments attributed to the environmental degradation caused by oil companies.

Participants at the Eco-Festival also reported troubling health trends, including early cessation of menstruation among women and increased incidences of cancer. Mitema Suoye George from Otuabagi Community in Bayelsa State recounted how the once-thriving fishing activities have been severely affected by pollution. She noted, "My mother told me that before they started oil exploration in Otuabagi, they were enjoying life and catching big fishes."

Warda Nebani Beryamon, a former youth leader from Ikarama Community, raised alarms about the alarming levels of oil pollution in her area, claiming it has the highest number of oil spills in Nigeria. She stated that residents are suffering from various health issues, including cancer, which she attributed to the ongoing environmental crisis.

Pastor Timothy Agumbiade, representing the Bille Kingdom Youth Federation, echoed these concerns, detailing the ongoing gas leaks affecting residents. He revealed that despite numerous visits from government agencies and media, little has been done to address the health and environmental crises. Agumbiade recounted a tragic incident where a woman died after being unable to receive adequate medical care following an explosion in July.

The festival's convener, Ken Henshaw, called for a comprehensive environmental audit to assess the damage caused by decades of oil exploration in the region. He emphasized the need for accountability from oil companies and expressed hope that the Eco-Festival would foster greater public engagement in addressing environmental degradation. Henshaw stated, "The ultimate goal is to secure justice for affected communities and restore the environment for present and future generations."

As the residents continue to fight for their rights and health, they remain resolute in their demand for justice and remediation from the oil companies that have long exploited their land and resources, leaving behind a legacy of pollution and despair.