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Indigenes of Ibeno and fishermen operating in Akwa
Ibom have condemned the frequent oil spills from the Quo Iboe oil
fields, and its negative impact on fishing and marine life.

Ibeno community, near Eket in Akwa Ibom, last week
reported another oil spill suspected to be from the Qua Iboe oil field,
operated by Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN).

It will also be recalled that MPN reported that a
leak on a crude pipeline on December 4, 2009 caused the discharge of
unknown volume of crude into the Atlantic Ocean.

However, Mobil in a statement released in Eket on
Tuesday, confirmed receiving reports of the crude oil deposits around
Ibeno, but said that the source of the crude oil was unknown as tests
conducted on the samples showed that the spill did not emanate from its
facilities.

Community sources in Ibeno however, dismissed the
claims of the oil company. They said that it was a way to evade paying
compensation for losses incurred by fishermen and repairing damages
done to the environment as a result of the spill.

Herkings Inyang, Secretary to Ibeno Clan Council,
said the community was surprised that Mobil denied responsibility for a
spill that occurred in its host communities where its pipelines ran
through. “It is hard to believe that a multi-national like Mobil will
be so dishonest to deny responsibility.

Which other oil company operates here?

“It is very funny because Addax operates far away near Nigeria’s
maritime boundary with Cameroun, while Total is also very far from
here, so did the oil fly to Ibeno?”