Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government and Ondo State authorities to urgently intervene in the deepening environmental and humanitarian crisis in Abereke community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The organisation raised the alarm following a field visit to the coastal settlement, where recurring oil spills and ocean surges have destroyed livelihoods and submerged large parts of the community.
In a statement, CAPPA described the situation as “devastating and fast deteriorating,” warning that residents now face severe environmental degradation and worsening economic hardship.
“Abereke is in the throes of a preventable disaster,” said Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director at CAPPA. “What we saw is a community abandoned to the combined impacts of corporate irresponsibility and government inaction. This cannot continue.”
According to CAPPA, the latest oil spill in the area allegedly linked to Guarantee Petroleum Company occurred in October last year, with its impact still lingering months after.
The group’s assessment revealed extensive oil contamination of water bodies, resulting in the destruction of aquatic life and fishing equipment, including nets, boats, and engines. Domestic animals have also reportedly died due to pollution.
Fishing, the community’s primary source of livelihood, has been severely disrupted, pushing many households deeper into poverty.
CAPPA further raised concerns over worsening coastal erosion and tidal surges, which have swallowed 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, their animals are dying, and access to clean water now comes at a cost. This is a clear case of environmental injustice,” Ogunlade added.
The organisation also decried the collapse of essential infrastructure in the community. Its only primary school has reportedly been destroyed by tidal waves, depriving children of access to education, while the absence of healthcare facilities has left residents vulnerable and reliant on local remedies.
CAPPA noted that despite multiple appeals and complaints to relevant authorities, the community has received little to no response from the Ondo State government or oil companies operating in the area.
“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.
The group called for immediate intervention measures, including a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, clean-up of polluted sites, and the construction of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent further erosion.
It also demanded adequate compensation for affected residents, restoration of livelihoods, and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure such as schools.
CAPPA further highlighted that oil spills remain a persistent challenge across the Ilaje axis, with communities frequently accusing oil firms—including Agip, Shell, Chevron, and Guarantee Petroleum Company—of contributing to widespread ecological damage.
“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 reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of affected communities through sustained advocacy.
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