Kou Clan Communities Demand Urgent Intervention as Oil Spill Ravages Ramos River Shoreline in Delta
By Ezekiel Kagbala
Communities under the Kou Clan in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have issued a passionate appeal to the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Federal Government, and the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, urging urgent intervention over a devastating crude oil spill that has wreaked havoc along the Ramos River shorelines.
In a formal statement signed by Chief Patrick O. Irou, National Chairman of Kou Clan Communities, the leadership of the affected communities — Okibou Zion, Youtu, Agge Okibou, Okia, Okofa-Aka, Belle, and Kare-Epere — disclosed that the oil spill was first observed on January 25, 2026. They explained that the crude oil spread rapidly across the river and washed ashore across multiple shoreline settlements within Kou Kingdom.
According to the statement, preliminary observations indicate that the spill may have originated from offshore operations linked to International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area, including but not limited to Bonga Field, Chevron, Renaissance, Seepco, Brittaina U, and the EA Field.
The communities lamented that the environmental disaster has inflicted severe damage on their ecosystem and means of livelihood. “Aquatic life has been reportedly destroyed, fishing activities have come to a complete halt, and access to clean and safe drinking water has been cut off. Our people are currently facing severe hunger, economic hardship, and growing health risks. Fishing, which is our primary source of livelihood, has been completely crippled,” the statement read in part.
The Kou Clan leadership has therefore called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Federal Government, and relevant government agencies — including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Ministry of Environment — to urgently intervene.
Specifically, the embattled communities demanded an immediate and transparent investigation to determine the source of the spill, prompt cleanup and comprehensive environmental remediation, provision of emergency relief materials, potable water and medical assistance, adequate compensation for affected communities, and long-term environmental restoration measures.
While describing the situation as a looming humanitarian and ecological catastrophe, the communities warned that failure to act swiftly could worsen the suffering of thousands of residents whose survival depends on the river and surrounding environment. “Our communities are in distress. We urgently need government intervention to prevent further humanitarian and ecological disaster. We urge the government and its agencies to act swiftly,” the statement added.
Experts are of the opinion that the development adds to growing concerns over persistent environmental degradation in Niger Delta coastal communities, where residents continue to bear the brunt of oil exploration activities with little protection or timely remediation.
When contacted, some officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), who sought anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, confirmed awareness of the incident. However, they stated that they are yet to identify the exact source of the spill, noting that it has already affected other states as well.
