Residents of Abereke community in the Mahin area of Ilaje Local Government Area have raised concerns over the impact of an oil spill that has disrupted fishing activities and threatened the livelihoods of many households in the area.
The community members said the spill has damaged fishing equipment, boats and other economic assets, leaving several families struggling to sustain their means of survival.
In a Save Our Soul (SoS) letter dated March 10, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripenaiye, the residents lamented the deteriorating living conditions following the environmental incident.
The letter, read by the General Secretary of the community, Taiwo Aiyedatiwa, stated that the oil spill had severely affected the coastline and made fishing activities almost impossible for residents whose livelihoods depend largely on fishing.
According to him, the spill has contaminated parts of the coastal waters and destroyed vital fishing areas used by the community.
He noted that fishing nets, boats and other equipment have also been affected by the pollution, further worsening the economic challenges faced by residents.
The community leaders said the development has placed significant pressure on families who rely heavily on fishing as their primary source of income.
They added that many households are now struggling to meet basic needs due to the disruption of economic activities in the area.
Aiyedatiwa said the community had previously lodged complaints with the Ondo State Ministry of Environment over the incident.
However, he noted that residents were yet to receive any meaningful intervention to address the situation.
The community therefore appealed to the Ilaje Local Government and relevant authorities to urgently intervene by investigating the cause of the spill and providing necessary support to affected residents.
They also called for measures to prevent further environmental damage and restore fishing activities in the area.
“Our only means of livelihood is gone. We have written several letters and complaints to the Ondo State Ministry of Environment, but nothing has been done” Aiyedatiwa said in the copy of the letter obtained by The Nation.
He added, “The spill occurred last October. Up till now, there has been no meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of the impacted people along the coastline.
“The oil companies involved are Shell and Guaranty Petroleum Nigeria Limited, based in Lagos state. They have also failed to respond to our pleas. As you can see, we are languishing here as a result of the oil spillage. All our fishing activities are stranded. We are begging them to please help us. The oil is taken from our land and we are suffering.”
He appealed to the local government chairman, the state government led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the federal government and well-meaning individuals to urgently intervene and rescue the community from the hardship caused by the spill.
Also speaking, the youth leader of the community, Mr Gbemileke Ogunbayo, described the Abereke community as a coastal settlement where the majority of residents depend on fishing for survival.
He said the oil spill had destroyed fishing nets, boats, engines, houses and animals, leaving residents with little means of sustaining their families.
“Our only means of livelihood is gone, Mr Ogunbayo lamented.
In a similar vein, the Liaison Officer in charge of Oil and Gas in Ilaje Local Government, Mr Olamigoke Omojuwa, expressed concern over the untold hardship inflicted on the people of the community due to the negligence of the oil companies involved.
He also called on governments at all levels to provide urgent assistance and alternative means of livelihood for the affected residents.
Responding, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Oripenaiye lauded the people of Abereke for their patience and assured them that their complaints would be forwarded to the government and other relevant authorities for prompt attention.
He, therefore, disclosed that he and other officials had visited the community to assess the extent of damage caused by the oil spill.