The people of Ewellesuo in Nigeria's southern Bayelsa State on Saturday reported an oil spill from Oil Well 62, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Chairman of Oil and Gas Committee of Nembe Kingdom Nengi James, who confirmed the incident, said he had prevailed on the people of the kingdom not to take laws into their hands against the company, saying the spillage affected the community's water.

The spillage was noticed by residents of the community, who saw massive oily substances covering the river, mangrove and waterways.

"We have called on SPDC officials and reported the spillage but they have not showed up, while the spill continues," James added.

The chairman told reporters that he has witnessed over 10 massive oil spillages, since he became Chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee in the kingdom, but none has been cleaned up.

"The poor response of the company to cases of spillage have polluted our waters and reduced the life span of the people," he said.

"The action of the oil company is becoming vexatious and unacceptable. The relevant agencies and government should intervene and prevail on the company to be responsible," James added. Endi

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