The once-thriving fishing settlements of the Niger Delta are now a shadow of their former glory, ravaged by oil bunkering and insecurity.
A caller on Nigeria Info FM's Hello, Port Harcourt, during a conversation about seafood deficit – a situation where the demand for seafood surpasses the available supply due to factors like overfishing, environmental degradation, declining fisheries, or economic challenges - shared a story that reflects the deep despair felt by many in the region.
Young began by recalling his childhood memories of visiting a fishing settlement near Obonoma, in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. According to him, “that fishing settlement is now a ‘kpofire’ camp.”
‘Kpofire’ is a term used locally to describe illegal artisanal crude oil refining. Young says the activities of these illegal crude oil artisans and the presence of these ‘kpofire’ camps have not only polluted the waters but also affected the biodiversity of the area, making traditional livelihoods nearly impossible.
“Ordinarily, if you just go to the river shores and stand, you'll see mudskippers jumping around, but today, you can't find them,” he said.
He still expressed hope for a turnaround, citing instances where nature began “healing itself” after oil bunkering activities were halted.
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