By Gabriel Ameh
📍Ondo | Media Report
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has called on the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene in the worsening environmental and humanitarian crisis in Abereke community, located in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The group made the call following a field assessment of the area, describing the situation as devastating and rapidly deteriorating due to recurring oil spills and ocean surges that have submerged large parts of the community and crippled livelihoods.
Speaking on the development, CAPPA’s Associate Director, Martins Ogunlade, said Abereke residents are facing the combined effects of environmental degradation and economic hardship.
He described the situation as a preventable disaster driven by corporate negligence and government inaction.
According to CAPPA, a major oil spill allegedly linked to Guarantee Petroleum Company occurred in October last year, with its impact still severely affecting the community.
The group noted that the spill has polluted water bodies, destroyed aquatic life, and damaged fishing equipment such as nets, boats, and engines. Domestic animals have also reportedly died due to contamination.
Fishing, the primary source of livelihood in Abereke, has been significantly disrupted, leaving many residents unable to support their families and pushing households deeper into poverty.
CAPPA further highlighted the growing threat of coastal erosion and tidal surges, which have submerged large areas of land and exposed the community to further environmental risks.
“The economic base of Abereke is being eroded. Families are struggling to survive, and access to clean water has become a major challenge,” Ogunlade stated, describing the situation as a clear case of environmental injustice.
The organisation also raised concerns over the collapse of critical infrastructure, including the destruction of the community’s only primary school by tidal waves, leaving children without access to education. It added that the absence of healthcare facilities has worsened the vulnerability of residents.
CAPPA lamented that despite repeated complaints and appeals by the community to authorities, there has been little or no response from the government or oil companies operating in the area.
The group noted that oil pollution remains a persistent issue across Ilaje communities, with residents accusing companies such as Shell, Chevron, and Agip of contributing to environmental degradation in the region.
CAPPA is now demanding immediate government action, including a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, clean-up of affected sites, construction of coastal protection infrastructure, compensation for victims, and restoration of livelihoods.
The organisation stressed that communities like Abereke are demanding justice and accountability, not charity, urging authorities to act swiftly to protect lives and restore dignity.
