Residents Fear Epidemic As Oil Pollution Ravages Akwa Ibom Communities

Fears of a possible disease outbreak have gripped six communities in Abak Midim Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following allegations that chemical spills from the operations of Sterling Global Oil Exploration Company (SGOEC) have polluted their only natural source of drinking water.
Residents of the affected communities accused the oil and gas firm of neglecting its corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations, alleging that it has failed to provide alternative potable water despite years of pollution linked to its exploration activities.
The communities—Ikot Obio Atara, Ikot Akpan Udo, Ikot Etegh-Ideh, Ikot Utiat, Ikot Akpakpan and Ikot Iko—are located...