“Na Suffer We Dey Suffer for Water” Fishermen Decry Hazards on Waterways

Fishing communities in Alakiri, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, are facing severe hardships following a fire outbreak along the gasline of Leon Limited Company.

The incident, caused by a reported leakage, has contaminated the waterways, making fishing nearly impossible.

In a chat with Kristina Reports on Monday, February 3, 2025, a local fisherman, Tamunonemi, expressed his frustration.

“I just throw way the fish wey I catch, all the fish just carry .belle face up and nobody go buy that kind of fish wey don die. Na suffer we dey suffer for water”.

The situation, according to Tamunonemi, has left many fishermen struggling to sustain their livelihoods. He lamented that despite the impact of the disaster, the company has remained silent, offering no explanation or remedy.

Other residents also raised concerns about the environmental and health hazards posed by the oil spill.

Biebele, a resident, warned that the lingering gasline leakage could lead to further disasters.

“Leon Limited is yet to repair the leakage along the gasline. It means there’s a chance that something of that nature is bound to occur in the nearest future”.

Women who depend on seafood collection are also affected.

Ibiere, a middle-aged seafood picker, described how the contamination has affected aquatic life.

“Esam (Periwinkle) and Ngbe (Oyster) wey we dey pick, na so so oil nai dey inside. Our Omoda (Tilapia) sef no get taste again. You dey chop fish, na oil you dey smell, and e dey enter your belle.”

Efforts to reach Leon Limited and community representatives for comments proved abortive as of press time.