A devastating fire outbreak at the wellhead of Oil Mining Lease (OML), 15, a facility operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has ravaged the Bukuma Community at Buguma waterways in Asari-Toru Local Council of Rivers State destroying livelihoods.

It was gathered that the raging inferno was caused by a spill from the wellhead, which was tampered with by oil thieves at the NNPCL facility. The fire reportedly started last week and has escalated into the communities after burning the bushes.

A visit to the scene showed that people had deserted the community as a result of the wildfire. Speaking on the development, a monarch and community leader in the area, Stephen Tobins Akee, confirmed that over 14 light towns, including Buguma communities, such as Anagolo, Otubo, Oprika, and Adika, have been destroyed by the oil spill.

He said: “We can’t have good air to breathe anymore the available streams have been destroyed. All we have from federal and state governments is just one water tank. Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan built only one school for us, no hospital, nothing again; our farmlands have been destroyed, and we are helpless. We produce huge gas and oil, yet we are neglected,” he lamented. 

It was reported that the people could not access even drinking water, and the fire was still raging and escalating at the time this story was filed.

Stakeholders and rights groups have decried the lack of immediate response from the Federal Government, NNPCL, and other relevant agencies.