Photos: Ocean Surge Threatens Koluama Community In Beautiful Bayelsa

A surge from the Atlantic Ocean is threatening to submerge Koluama communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
It was learnt that the sea’s tidal current rose, overflew its bank and emptied into the Koluama River.
Residents of the communities located on the banks of Koluama River are reportedly exposed to the waves and tidal currents from the sea.
Traditional rulers of the communities rushed to Yenagoa, the state capital, yesterday to raise the alarm.
The traditional rulers of Koluama Clan, S.E. Edi-Mangi; Koluama 1 , JTC Leghemo and Koluama ll, N.E. Ogboinbiri-Mienye, decried the development.
They traced their woes to the activities of oil companies in the area, particularly the Koluama-Chevron gas explosion and fire in the area on January 16, 2012.
They complained that the explosion which emanated from the gas drilling rig, K.S. Endevour, owned by Chevron Nigeria Limited, caused  tremors and vibrations in the communities.
“Several houses had their foundations and walls shaken”, they said.

        Community activist carrying placard to protest neglect by the Nigerian government and oil company

Photo Credit: Tife Owolabi

Culled from SaharaReporters