Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has called on the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government to take immediate action over what it described as a worsening environmental and humanitarian crisis in Abereke community, Ilaje Local Government Area.
In a statement following a field visit, the organisation said recurring oil spills and ocean surges have devastated livelihoods and submerged large parts of the coastal community, leaving residents in dire conditions.
Describing the situation as “devastating and fast deteriorating,” CAPPA warned that inhabitants of Abereke are facing severe environmental degradation and growing economic hardship.
“Abereke is in the throes of a preventable disaster,” said Martins Ogunlade. “What we saw is a community abandoned to the combined impacts of corporate irresponsibility and government inaction. This cannot continue.”
According to the group, the latest oil spill, allegedly linked to Guarantee Petroleum Company, occurred in October but continues to have devastating effects on the community.
CAPPA’s assessment revealed widespread contamination of water bodies, destruction of aquatic life, and damage to fishing equipment such as nets, boats, and engines. The group noted that fishing, the main source of livelihood in the area, has been severely disrupted, pushing many 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 exposed to further environmental threats.
“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, including the community’s only primary school, which has reportedly been destroyed by tidal waves, cutting off access to education. It also noted the absence of healthcare facilities, leaving residents to rely on local remedies.
The group said repeated appeals by the community to authorities have yielded little response, despite several letters and complaints to the state government and oil companies operating in the region.
It also highlighted the broader issue of oil pollution in Ilaje, accusing major operators such as Shell, Chevron, Agip, and Guarantee Petroleum Company of contributing to ecological damage across the area.
CAPPA called for urgent intervention measures, including a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, immediate clean-up of polluted sites, and the construction of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent further erosion.
The organisation also demanded compensation for affected residents, restoration of livelihoods, and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure such as schools.
“Like many other suffering communities in Ondo State, the people of Abereke are demanding justice, not charity,” Ogunlade said. “Government must act now to protect lives, restore dignity, and hold polluters accountable.”
CAPPA pledged to continue amplifying the voices of affected communities through sustained advocacy efforts.
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