Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) report on the oil spill from Trans Niger Pipeline facilities in Bodo, Gokana local government area has revealed that the incident was caused by equipment failure.
The President-General of Ogoni Youth Federation, Legborsi Yamaabana who represented Bodo community on the JIV on Saturday said that officials of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and Ministry of Environment, were unanimous that the incident being investigated was traced to equipment failure.
Legborsi commended the people of Bodo City for their tenacity, resolve and togetherness, and noted that the revelation has not only vindicated them, but it has lend credence to the call for Multinational Oil Companies (OICs) and their Joint Venture (JV) partners to replace their outdated pipes in Ogoniland/Niger Delta to forestall further oil spill.
Legborsi Yamaabana however, noted that mapping to ascertain the volume of spilt crude and scope of impact is yet to be concluded.
The chairman of Gokana local government area, Hon. Confidence Deko commended the peaceful disposition of the Bodo people and assured them of the commitment of his administration to protect the interests and rights of the people.
On his part, the Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti said the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the community would renew trust between the community and the operators of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), and promised to fulfill all the commitments made in the MOU in order to improve the livelihood of the people of Bodo community
