***Says leak had struck the lifeblood of the indigenes

The central zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has strongly condemned oil giant, Oando PLC over its failure to address the prolonged gas leakage in Azuzuama Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, describing the situation as a serious threat to the livelihood and wellbeing of the people.

The Zone Chairman, Dr. Enebraye Orusengha, who led the council’s delegation on an inspection visit to the affected areas, said it was unacceptable that the leakage had persisted for approximately two months and 11 days without decisive intervention.

Dr. Enebraye said the incident had struck at the very lifeblood of Azuzuama, where the river is central to the people’s survival, economy and cultural existence. He noted that residents have been unable to safely use the affected water for drinking and cooking, while fishing and other river-dependent activities that sustain families have been severely disrupted.

A statement signed by Comrade Boro Francis, Information Officer of the zone, said the consequences extend beyond immediate economic hardship, as the river environment is also integral to the traditional and cultural activities of the people.

The Chairman demanded that Oando immediately take responsibility for the situation, rectify the source of the leakage, prevent further environmental harm and provide relief to households whose livelihoods have been affected.

He said a company operating within a host community cannot continue resource extraction while residents bear the consequences of an unresolved incident that has compromised their means of sustenance.

The leadership of IYC also raised concerns over the state of electricity infrastructure in Azuzuama, where he disclosed that information available to the IYC indicates that the community has a 100KVA generator that has remained idle for a prolonged period, despite persistent electricity challenges.

He questioned why Oando, which undertakes petroleum activities in the area and, according to available information, has access to diesel from its operations in Azuzuama, has been unable to provide the diesel needed to power the community facility.

The Chairman further criticised the company’s reliance on provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) when responding to community demands, stressing that statutory provisions should not be deployed as a shield against practical responsibilities to a host community.

He maintained that genuine corporate responsibility requires more than references to legislation, it demands meaningful engagement, responsiveness and tangible intervention where residents are directly affected by activities within their environment.

The IYC also condemned the failure to provide relief materials since the leakage began, noting that families dependent on fishing have been left to confront prolonged hardship without adequate assistance.

Dr. Enebraye called on Oando to immediately engage with Azuzuama representatives, provide assistance to affected households and undertake comprehensive measures to restore safety and normal economic activity.

He, however, warned that the Council’s patience should not be mistaken for acceptance of the status quo.

The Chairman disclosed that if Oando fails to resolve the gas leakage and address the outstanding issues, the IYC Central Zone will convene a council congress in Azuzuama to deliberate on the matter and determine the appropriate course of action.