Thirteen Years After Shell Bonga Oil Field Explosion: Victims Issue 21-Day Ultimatum to SNEPCO

Thirteen years after the devastating Shell Bonga Oil Field explosion in OML 118, which has severely affected Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States in the Niger Delta, victims from the impacted communities have issued a 21-day ultimatum to Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

The Peace Development Security and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Deltans, led by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo (President), Comrade Wilson M. Vwerhokor (Secretary), Mr. Durojaiye Ogunsemore (PRO), and Comrade Graham Abulu (Logistics/National Mobilizing Officer), announced the ultimatum. They stated that after thirteen years of suffering from environmental degradation and socio-economic hardship caused by the explosion, their communities have seen no significant compensation or rehabilitation efforts from SNEPCO.

Comrade Mike JK Tiemo emphasized the dire situation: "Our communities have been left to wallow in poverty, grappling with health issues, economic hardship, and environmental degradation."

The group stressed that the explosion had devastated the livelihoods of fishermen, farmers, and other local residents by destroying marine and aquatic life essential for their sustenance.

A letter dated May 30, 2024, addressed to the Managing Director of SNEPCO, highlighted the continued suffering of the explosion victims and the company's failure to address their grievances. 

In response to this prolonged neglect, the group issued the 21-day ultimatum demanding immediate action from SNEPCO, including compensation payments, clean-up operations, comprehensive environmental remediation, and sustainable development initiatives.

"We demand justice and accountability from SNEPCO. This ultimatum is not just a plea but a strong affirmation of our resolve to seek redress and amicable resolution for the injustices inflicted upon the concerned victims," the statement emphasized.

The group also called on relevant government agencies, such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to enforce compliance with environmental regulations and compensation commitments in the interest of the victims.

As the ultimatum period begins, community members and activists remain cautiously hopeful that their demands will finally be met. They stressed that this is a pivotal moment in their ongoing struggle for justice and restoration.

For now, the affected communities await SNEPCO's response and are prepared to take further action if necessary to secure their rights and rebuild their lives from the devastation caused by the Bonga Oil Field explosion.### Thirteen Years After Shell Bonga Oil Field Explosion: Victims Issue 21-Day Ultimatum to SNEPCO

**By Wilson Macaulay**

Thirteen years after the devastating Shell Bonga Oil Field explosion in OML 118, which has severely affected Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States in the Niger Delta, victims from the impacted communities have issued a 21-day ultimatum to Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

The Peace Development Security and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Deltans, led by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo (President), Comrade Wilson M. Vwerhokor (Secretary), Mr. Durojaiye Ogunsemore (PRO), and Comrade Graham Abulu (Logistics/National Mobilizing Officer), announced the ultimatum. They stated that after thirteen years of suffering from environmental degradation and socio-economic hardship caused by the explosion, their communities have seen no significant compensation or rehabilitation efforts from SNEPCO.

Comrade Mike JK Tiemo emphasized the dire situation: "Our communities have been left to wallow in poverty, grappling with health issues, economic hardship, and environmental degradation."

The group stressed that the explosion had devastated the livelihoods of fishermen, farmers, and other local residents by destroying marine and aquatic life essential for their sustenance.

A letter dated May 30, 2024, addressed to the Managing Director of SNEPCO, highlighted the continued suffering of the explosion victims and the company's failure to address their grievances. 

In response to this prolonged neglect, the group issued the 21-day ultimatum demanding immediate action from SNEPCO, including compensation payments, clean-up operations, comprehensive environmental remediation, and sustainable development initiatives.

"We demand justice and accountability from SNEPCO. This ultimatum is not just a plea but a strong affirmation of our resolve to seek redress and amicable resolution for the injustices inflicted upon the concerned victims," the statement emphasized.

The group also called on relevant government agencies, such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to enforce compliance with environmental regulations and compensation commitments in the interest of the victims.

As the ultimatum period begins, community members and activists remain cautiously hopeful that their demands will finally be met. They stressed that this is a pivotal moment in their ongoing struggle for justice and restoration.

For now, the affected communities await SNEPCO's response and are prepared to take further action if necessary to secure their rights and rebuild their lives from the devastation caused by the Bonga Oil Field explosion.