Residents of Ikot Ukpong, an oil and gas community in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, are raising urgent concerns about a looming humanitarian and environmental disaster caused by a gas leak from a ruptured pipeline. The leak linked to the operations of Savana Energy Ltd, an International Oil Company (IOC) in the area, is said to pose a significant threat to lives, property, and agriculture – the community’s primary livelihood.
Comrade Ndarake Akpan, a local youth activist, described the situation as dire, emphasizing the potential risks to both human health and the environment. “The gas leak occurring on the Right of Way (RoW) here in this community is posing a serious threat to the lives and properties of the people and agriculture, which is their common means of livelihood,” Akpan said.
He called on various levels of government, the oil company, and other relevant authorities to address the issue promptly to prevent a larger crisis.
According to reports, efforts are underway by Savana Energy Ltd to address the problem. However, concerns remain high among residents and local leaders about the speed and effectiveness of these measures.
In response to the situation, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has urged the affected communities to exercise extreme caution.
A statement from the minister’s spokesman, Louis Ibah, reassured residents that the minister is actively coordinating with regulatory agencies and stakeholders from both federal and Akwa Ibom State governments. “The minister wishes to assure residents of the affected area that he is in contact with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders to identify the cause of the leak and restore normalcy to the area as quickly as possible,” Ibah stated.
The minister’s office also advised residents to avoid tampering with critical infrastructure and to report any suspected pipeline leaks to the relevant authorities. The statement warned against attempting to profit from the situation, as it could lead to serious injury or loss of life.
The situation remains fluid, and the response from both the government and Savana Energy Ltd will be crucial in preventing further escalation of the crisis in Ikot Ukpong, residents stress.
