Residents of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta have called on critical stakeholders to join in the forces against incessant pollution and violation of the fundamental rights by oil companies.
The residents, who were from Odimodi and Forcadus communities in Delta State, made the call in a meeting with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), civil society organisations, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) and Community Development Foundation (CODAF) on Friday in Benin City, Edo State.
In response to the operations of the oil multinationals in their localities, the riverine communities made an appeal to environmental activists and women lawyers to step in and stop environmental contamination as well as marginalization and supersession.
One of the residents from Gelegbene who identified herself as Mrs Mary Fedigha lamented that since Dubril Oil company began operations in the area, the environment had been seriously affected.
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Other residents, who corroborated the issue, said the communities had remained the same without tangible development in spite of the oil exploration.
Responding, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Barr. Chima Williams, stressed the need for synergy, promising that his organisation would give every necessary support to make sure justice is served to the oil-producing communities
On her part, FIDA Chairperson in Edo, Violet Olumese, said the federation was aware of the plight of the communities and would do all that is necessary to give the necessary support.
Story was adapted from Enviro News
