The Kpean community in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State has raised alarm over prolonged issues of environmental degradation, financial hardship, and governmental inaction, despite the presence of 14 oil wells.
Local inhabitants report that frequent oil spills have severely polluted their rivers and agricultural land, jeopardizing their means of livelihood, dignity, and future prospects.
Community members recalled the visit of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on December 22, 2025, who promised immediate intervention. They expressed disappointment that no actions have been taken since then.
During a training workshop on environmental monitoring and evidence collection organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), the Paramount Ruler of Kpean, Chief Lucky Gbene-Ewoh, conveyed that this calamity has stripped the residents not only of their environment but also of their peace and future opportunities.
He stated, "This disaster has stripped our people of the very foundation of survival. Our farmlands lie barren, our rivers, once sources of food and income, are poisoned, and our children suffer from hunger and illness. There has been no health support program from the asset owner, despite numerous letters sent."
Lemii Petaba, the community's youth leader, noted that the detrimental effects of a significant oil spill at Wellhead 14, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), have persisted since August 2025.
He highlighted that the community has experienced multiple oil spill incidents between 2000 and 2021 under Shell's operations, alongside ongoing pollution due to NEPL, without any substantial cleanup efforts.
"Kpean community is home to numerous oil wells, totaling up to 14. It harbors one of the highest oil and gas reserves in Khana Local Government Area, yet we continuously suffer from neglect," he remarked.
In the course of the training, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, indicated that the training was a response to the recent spill at Wellhead 14.
He explained that participants were trained with the necessary tools and methods to document the environmental damage and demand accountability from governmental bodies and oil firms.
The initiative was also established to prioritize vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in efforts toward environmental justice.
At the conclusion of the program, participants issued a communiqué calling for urgent and thorough cleanup efforts in Kpean, in alignment with international standards and Nigerian environmental regulations.
They further urged the decommissioning of oil wellheads in their area to ensure the health of the community members and preserve the environment.
The communiqué also appealed to both federal and state governments to enforce current environmental legislation, uphold Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in oil operations, and hold companies liable for any environmental harm they cause.
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