Residents of Okolobiri and nearby villages in Bayelsa State staged a peaceful protest on Saturday over ongoing 24-hour gas flaring at the Gbarain-Ubie Integrated Oil Facility.
The protesters, carrying signs that read “Stop Poisoning Our Air,” called for immediate action to stop the pollution affecting their health, water, and farmland.
According to the post shared on Sunday, the protest was conducted on 5 July.
Community leaders, including Chief Ebiowei Okorie, accused the oil company operating the site of putting profit before people. They reported rising cases of asthma in children, crop damage from acid rain, and worsening respiratory conditions.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), marking its 25th anniversary this weekend, promised to investigate and consult with stakeholders.
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But many protesters remained doubtful, pointing to years of broken promises from both oil firms and the government.
The protest drew national attention after going viral on social media platform X, with users demanding federal intervention and tougher environmental laws.
Health workers in the area have also reported increased cases of diarrhea and skin diseases caused by polluted water. Local fishermen say their catch has drastically dropped due to contamination.
The Okolobiri protest reflects the larger environmental crisis in the Niger Delta, where oil spills, gas flaring, and neglect continue to harm lives and livelihoods.
As President Bola Tinubu’s government faces rising pressure, activists are calling for a shift to cleaner, renewable energy sources to ease the region’s burden.
