From Isaac Job, Uyo
The people of Ikot Ukpong village and their neighbours in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom state have carried out a peaceful protest against Savannah Energy oil company for allegedly degrading their farmlands and other economic trees such as palm trees and farm crops through persistent gas flaring arising from gas pipelines that runs in their communities.
The community therefore appealed to Savannah Energy who are the operators of the pipeline contract and the federal government to rescue them from impending doom through activities of the oil firm.in the area.
In a peaceful protest within the community on Friday, the people
demanded that the impact of the exploration on their environment be remediated so that their land and environment can be returned to its original state.
The protesters who were populated by women carried placards with different inscriptions such as ” Crops on our farmlands and palm trees have started turning yellow due to effect of heat” , “Savannah Energy ,you can’t protect your pipeline , please come and take them away from our communities ” , We dont want to die of Air pollution” , “Savannah Energy you said pipeline is dormant, what is polluting our environment?”, Savannah Energy , you are responsible for the gas leakage to destroy our communities” among others .
The protesters which included Elders, women, youths and children of the affected communities roll on the floor to lament the negative consequences of being displaced from their community as a result of gas emission.
Speaking during to our Reporter on the protest ground , a youth leader from the area, Comrade Inimfon Jack, recounted how polluted the air in the affected area has been for three days due to gas emission and demanded that environmental justice be given to his people.
“All we want is environmental justice; our lands should be restored to its original state. It is painful that Savannah energy and even the Federal Government and its relevant agencies has abandoned us to suffering from the protracted pollution, which has largely and negatively impacted on us.”
On the allegations that the host communities had barred relevant agencies from stoping the emission of gas , another youth leader intensified as Mr Iyakndue and the Akwa Ibom State coordinator, Gas pipeline forum, Kufre Emmanson in their respective remarks, refuted those allegations and described same as calculated lies against the oppressed communities.
“Since Sunday when this incident occurred, huge flames have been in the air and white clouds leap into the sky.
“The gas emission operated by Savannah energy belch out noxious fumes that loom over homes, farms and shops with strange smell and an audible hiss in the air, yet we have remained quiet.
“We haven’t blocked any representative of these companies. The allegations that relevant agencies who came to rescue the situation were barred are all false.”
Meanwhile, the Transition Chairman of Ukanafun Local government area, Elder Godwin Ekpe while sympathizing with the affected communities appreciated them for their peaceful conduct during the protest.
He expressed displeasure with Savannah energy and her subsidiary company (ACCUGAS) that owns the gas pipeline .
“This is almost one year I assumed as the Chairman, I have never had any interface with Savannah energy if not for this emission.
“When I heard of this incident, I had to look for their contact number and I am happy they are here today.
“I am fully aware that because of this incident, people no longer cook in their houses because of the fear of gas explosion.
“People have left their houses, I have also been told that one pregnant woman is hospitalized in Ukanafun.
“Despite all these, you have remained calm and I thank you. Let me use this opportunity to warn everyone spreading false information that Ukanafun people are barring relevant authorities to desist from such act. Ukanafun people are peaceful”
However, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo has warned the oil firm and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance on their installation in communities .
“It is very sad that no internal security has been employed in the surveillance of these pipelines, if such measure were taken, this would have been averted.
” I call on the operating company to conduct a proper impact assessment and take into consideration, families and properties that have been affected by the emission”. he said