The Council of Chiefs in Ibiotte, Odoroikot Community, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has petitioned the State government, the Exxon Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited over the recent oil spills in the community.

The council lamented that the spill has devastated large farmlands and led to the loss of aquatic lives in their community.

In a statement on Monday signed by the village head of Ibiotte, Eteidung Akpan J. Ekpo, and the Secretary, Elder Akpan I. Akpan, the council called on the oil firms to mop up the oil spills caused by their activities and pay adequate compensation to the fishermen and communities affected.

The council recalled the devastating effects of previous oil spills that occurred in the area between 1996 and 2012, adding that compensation was paid to the community by the ExxonMobil and Okoro Oilfield-AMNI International Development companies after a visit and confirmation by the oil companies.

The statement, which was copied to the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin, the Paramount Ruler and stakeholders of community, reads inpart,t “It is unfortunate that Ibioete Village, Odoroikot community in Mkpat Enin LGA, is suffering from the damages caused by the recent oil spillage along it Atlantic Ocean.

“This has caused a lot of damage to our fishermen at the Atlantic Ocean and within the Creeks/rivers.

“We use this medium to draw the attention of the state government and the oil companies concern to, with a matter of urgency, mop up the spilled oil and pay compensation to the affected fishermen and community accordingly.”