An oil spill in Cawthorne Channel area of Rivers State is still being contained, two weeks after it happened.
The Port Harcourt Zonal Director of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Imeh Ekanem confirmed this in an interview with Nigeria Info.
Worse still, is that the environmental impact of the spill is still unknown.
"A spill by Cawthorn Chanel 1, Well 15, operated by Eroton Production Company. The spill happened precisely on the 15th of June from the wellhead.
“A team of experts is trying to see how they can stop it or seal the well. Containment and recovery are on a daily basis.
The environmental back is there and we have an officer on-site giving us updates," he said.
He however advised residents to stay away from the incident area for their safety.
Mr. Ekanem also linked the numerous oil spills recorded in the state to pipeline vandalism.
"People living around there should not go close to the incident area for now.
“They should abstain and stay away from those areas. About 75% to 80% of this is oil theft and pipe vandalism.
“The agency has been working round the clock in conjunction with other operators to sensitise our beloved communities and brothers and sisters on the dangers associated."
Cawthorne Channel is the initial settlement of the Kalabari people but is now geographically located under Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
