VIDEO: lloamatoru Community grapple devastating aftermath of fire explosion at Cawthorne Channel

The people of Iloamatoru Community and surrounding communities in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State are grappling with  devastating aftermath of a fire explosion that erupted at the Cawthorne Channel 1 Flow Station on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

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During a visit  to inspect the scene of the inferno, it was discovered that the fire had created life-threatening situations, halting livelihoods and severely disrupting the ecosystem.

The environmental degradation was evident, with the harsh stench of oil spills filling the air, causing nausea and an overwhelming sense of distress.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions before a raging fire engulfed parts of the waterway.

Fishermen and other residents were forced to flee, as boats, fishing nets, and other property were consumed by the flames.

The fire has since led to a massive oil spill, with crude oil visibly flowing across the waterways and spreading into creeks, rivers and rivulets, further complicating the environmental crisis.

Contaminated water

It was learnt that the incidented facility at Cawthorne Channel 1 is linked to the flow station at Alakiri in Okrika LGA which was earlier affected by a fire outbreak the previous week.

Both facilities are owned by the NNPCL, NNPC 18 Limited, OML 18 Energy with Sahara Group, Erotono Exploration & Production Company Limited.

The owners of the facility had initially brought relief materials as part of a remediation package, but the community rejected them, citing that they were inadequate compared to the scale of destruction.

One of the leaders of the Iloamatoru Community and former Chairman of the community’s Surveillance Committee, Daniel Pollyn confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the affected communities and representatives of the NNPCL.

Cawthorne Channel 1 Fire Wreaks Havoc: Environmental Toll Grows, Families and Fishermen Struggle to Cope

He also noted that no safety officer is assigned to the site.

As the community awaits further engagement from the oil company, residents continue to endure the economic hardship and environmental damage caused by the fire. With crude oil still visibly flowing on the waterways, concerns are growing about long-term pollution and its effects on marine life and human health.

The people are demanding urgent intervention, environmental remediation, and adequate compensation for their losses. For now, they are left to struggle against the twin crises of ecological destruction and economic collapse