Kpean community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State has lamented years of environmental pollution, poverty, and neglect despite hosting 14 oil wells.
Residents said recurring oil spills have devastated their rivers and farmlands, stripping them of their livelihoods, dignity, and future.
The community recalled that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited on December 22, 2025, and assured them of urgent intervention, but expressed regret that no remedial action has been taken to date.
Speaking during an environmental monitoring and evidence-gathering training organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), the Paramount Ruler of Kpean, Chief Lucky Gbene-Ewoh, said the destruction had robbed the people not only of their environment but also their peace of mind and future prospects.
“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 programme by the asset owner despite several letters,” he said.
Also speaking, the youth leader of the community, Lemii Petaba, said the devastation caused by a major oil spill at Wellhead 14, operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), has continued since August 2025.
He noted that the community had suffered multiple spill incidents between 2000 and 2021 under Shell’s operations, as well as ongoing pollution under NEPL, without any significant cleanup.
“Kpean community is home to several oil wells numbering up to 14. It has one of the highest oil and gas reserves in Khana Local Government Area, yet we continue to suffer from neglect,” he said.
During the programme, Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, explained that the training was organised in response to the recent oil spill incident at Wellhead 14.
He said participants were equipped with tools and methodologies for documenting environmental damage and holding both government institutions and oil companies accountable.
The training also emphasised the need to centre vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in environmental justice efforts.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the programme, participants demanded immediate and comprehensive cleanup of the Kpean environment in line with international best practices and Nigerian environmental laws.
They also called for the decommissioning of oil wellheads in the community to safeguard residents’ health and protect the environment.
The communiqué further urged federal and state governments to enforce existing environmental laws, ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in oil operations, and hold companies accountable for environmental degradation.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
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