Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa CAPPA, has called on the Federal Government and Ondo State authorities to urgently address a worsening environmental and humanitarian crisis in Abereke community, located in Ilaje Local Government Area, where recurring oil spills and ocean surges have devastated livelihoods.
In a statement issued after a field visit to the community, CAPPA described the situation as “devastating and fast deteriorating,” warning that residents are grappling with severe environmental degradation and deepening economic hardship.
Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director of CAPPA, said Abereke was facing a “preventable disaster,” attributing the situation to corporate irresponsibility and government inaction.
“What we saw is a community abandoned to the combined impacts of corporate irresponsibility and government inaction. This cannot continue,” Ogunlade said.
According to the organisation, the latest oil spill in the area, allegedly linked to Guarantee Petroleum Company, occurred in October last year, with its impact still being felt across the community.
CAPPA’s findings revealed extensive oil contamination of water bodies, leading to the destruction of aquatic life and fishing equipment, including nets, boats and engines. The pollution has also reportedly caused the death of domestic animals, further compounding the hardship faced by residents.
Fishing, the primary source of income for the community, has been severely disrupted, leaving many families without sustainable means of livelihood and pushing households deeper into poverty.
The organisation also raised concerns over worsening coastal erosion and tidal surges, which have submerged large portions of land and left the community vulnerable to further environmental damage.
“The economic base of Abereke is being rapidly eroded. Families are struggling to fish and their animals, including goats, sheep and pigs, are dying. Even access to clean water now comes at a cost. This is a clear case of environmental injustice,” Ogunlade added.
CAPPA further decried the collapse of critical infrastructure in the area, including the destruction of the community’s only primary school by tidal waves, which has disrupted access to education for children. The absence of healthcare facilities has also left residents exposed, with many relying on local remedies for treatment.
The group noted that despite repeated appeals by the community to the state government and oil companies, there has been little or no response.
“Communities like Abereke continue to pay the price for extractive activities they do not benefit from. The silence and inaction of both government and corporations are unacceptable,” the statement said.
CAPPA called for immediate intervention, including a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, clean-up of polluted sites, and the construction of coastal protection infrastructure to mitigate further erosion.
The organisation also demanded compensation for affected residents, restoration of livelihoods, and the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure, particularly schools.
It further noted that oil spills remain a persistent problem across Ilaje, with residents accusing major oil firms, including Shell, Chevron and Agip, of contributing to environmental degradation in the region.
“Like many other suffering communities in Ondo State, the people of Abereke are demanding justice, not charity,” Ogunlade stressed. “Government must act now to protect lives, restore dignity, and hold polluters accountable.”
CAPPA said it would continue to amplify the voices of affected communities through sustained advocacy.