Among the communities affected by the environmental pollution, which resulted in the destruction of aquatic life, foods and the entire environment include Mgbara, Obokofia, Oloshi.
Addressing Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State when he visited the area, the traditional ruler of Oboma Dike autonomous community in Etekuru-Egbema, HRH Eze Justice Okwuodu, said an explosion occurred at Ibeocha location in Rivers State and affected about 13 communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
The monarch lamented the destruction of houses, pollution of rivers, destruction of aquatic life, among other things.
Eze Okwuodu decried a situation where oil companies, especially AGIP neglected the oil-rich communities by failing to implement the memorandum of understanding they reached.
He appealed to the government of Imo State to wade into the matter since they do not want to take laws into their hands.
Responding, Governor Okorocha, through his deputy, Prince Eze Nadumere, promised that the state government would help in addressing the situation, especially the recent restiveness.
Okorocha said the aim of his visit was to get firsthand information on the effect of the oil spillage from storage facilities owned by AGIP Company operating in the area.
