A fresh oil spill has devastated Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, fuelling public anger over worsening pollution and government inaction in Ogoniland. The oil spill Ogale incident, first reported in late April 2025, has polluted creeks, streams, and farmlands, compounding years of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
At the centre of this latest disaster is a ruptured pipeline owned by Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary, which released thick crude oil into local waterways. Residents, many of whom rely on these waters for drinking, fishing and farming, now face dangerous exposure to petroleum contaminants.
Communities Struggle as Crude Coats Land and Water
Residents in Ogale describe the disaster as one of the worst in recent memory. Thick layers of crude now blanket fishponds, streams, and agricultural land. “This is the water that Shell has left for my people,” lamented His Royal Highness King Godwin Bebe Okpabi, a longstanding advocate for environmental justice in Ogoniland.
Strong petroleum odours linger in the air, and visible oil slicks stretch across once-vibrant creeks. Locals report a surge in skin infections and respiratory illness, heightening concerns over a brewing health crisis.
HYPREP Launches Investigation and Health Impact Study
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has initiated a site inspection and environmental impact assessment. It also launched a health study to evaluate cancer risks and other ailments linked to prolonged hydrocarbon exposure. This follows warnings that water in Ogoniland contains carcinogenic substances 900 times above WHO standards, as revealed by a 2011 UNEP report.
While HYPREP’s involvement signals official recognition, trust in the cleanup initiative remains low.
Oil Spill Ogale Rekindles Criticism of Failed Cleanup
Environmental watchdogs and local advocates are once again raising alarms. Groups like the Ogoni Solidarity Forum and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria condemned the recurring spills and accused government actors of complicity.
“The clean-up project is a scam,” said a whistleblower in a BBC exposé, citing mismanagement in the $1 billion remediation fund co-financed by Shell.
Shell Responds, But Residents Remain Skeptical
In a statement, Shell Nigeria insisted it responds to all spills, regardless of origin. “We clean up and remediate,” the company said, while confirming collaboration with authorities on the Ogale spill.
However, Ogale residents question this narrative, pointing to decades of unaddressed contamination. “Most of the children have diseases from the drinking water,” said local resident Paulina Agbekpekpe. “I’ve lost eight kids.”
Oil Spill Ogale Comes Amid Renewed Drilling Tensions
This spill lands at a critical time. In February 2025, efforts to resume oil production in Ogoniland collapsed due to disputes among community leaders. Activists argue that pushing for fresh exploration, without addressing the region’s poisoned soil and water, would bring further tragedy.
Meanwhile, a civil trial in London’s High Court continues, with 50,000 Ogale and Bille residents suing Shell for pollution between 1989 and 2020. Plaintiffs allege environmental abuse and rights violations under Nigerian law and the African Charter.
A Call for Justice as Ogoniland Bleeds Again
Despite promises of environmental repair and international pressure, Ogale residents continue to suffer. As oil slicks choke their streams and their children fall ill, the community demands action—not apologies.
The oil spill Ogale has reignited calls for justice, transparency, and a genuine cleanup of the Niger Delta’s long-suffering land.
