The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has linked the recent oil spill in Kpean community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, to acts of sabotage.
Ribadu made the disclosure on Monday while leading a federal government delegation to assess the extent of damage caused by the spillage in Ogoniland.
The delegation included the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Minister of Works, David Umahi; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulare, among other senior officials.
Addressing journalists at the spill site, the NSA expressed concern over what he described as continued sabotage of crude oil infrastructure in Ogoniland, despite ongoing cleanup efforts and federal investments aimed at environmental remediation and livelihood restoration.
“The sad part of it is that this is sabotage,” Ribadu said. “It is a well that has not been in existence for over 30 years. Yet some people—enemies of the people—have deliberately damaged it in the process of stealing. The damage they are doing is incredible.”
He noted that the visit was ordered directly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that emergency response assets had already been deployed to contain the spill.
“What we have done today is to show concern. We are worried. The spill has been stopped, and recovery is ongoing. Hopefully, it will not happen again,” he said.
Ribadu emphasised that the federal government’s approach to Ogoniland remains community-driven, with sustained engagement aimed at restoring trust and improving living conditions.
“From the beginning, our engagement with the Ogoni people has been community-led. We listen to them and put them in front,” he stated.
He added that decades-long environmental challenges in the region are being addressed through coordinated interventions, including the establishment of educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other development projects.
Appealing for cooperation, Ribadu urged residents to protect national assets, describing oil resources as collective wealth that should not be destroyed by a few individuals for selfish gain.
Commending the Rivers State Government, the NSA said Ogoniland has witnessed significant improvement under the Tinubu administration, warning that continued sabotage could undermine progress already achieved.
Blessing Ibunge
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