Rivers Assembly Launches Probe into Oil Firm over Alleged Neglect of Spill-Hit B-Dere Community

The Rivers State House of Assembly has opened an investigation into allegations that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited failed to respond to an oil spill that devastated B-Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area.

The probe follows a petition filed by the community through its estate surveyors and valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co, and signed by Hamilton Odom. The petition was presented on the floor of the House by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule subsequently referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, chaired by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, for further investigation.

According to the petition, the oil spill occurred on May 7, 2025, along the 24 Ogale–Bomu pipeline, which passes through B-Dere. A joint inspection carried out by the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and community representatives confirmed that the incident resulted from equipment failure.

The document detailed severe ecological damage, including destruction of vegetation, defoliation, and death of plants. It also stated that toxic hydrocarbons penetrated the soil and water, disrupting nutrient absorption and leading to stunted plant growth, widespread mortality, and poor regeneration, especially among seedlings.

The spill also reportedly contaminated underground water, crippled farming and fishing activities, and caused psychological distress among residents whose livelihoods were affected.

Despite these impacts, the petition accused Renaissance Africa Energy of failing to initiate clean-up operations or pay compensation. It further alleged that the company had remained silent since an initial meeting with community representatives ended in a deadlock over compensation.

The petitioners urged the Assembly to treat the matter as urgent and compel the company to accept full responsibility for the spill, undertake comprehensive clean-up and remediation, and compensate affected residents for economic losses and livelihood disruptions.

Responding, Committee Chairman, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, assured the community that the House would handle the petition with urgency and transparency.

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