Bodo River, Gokana

Bodo River is located in Bodo-city, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Bodo River is one of the rivers in Gokana Kingdom. It has been a means of survival for the people of Gokana Kingdom. Men and women go fishing in Bodo River as a means of survival.

The Bodo-Bonny Road contract being carried out by Julius Berger company has been constructed on the Bodo River. In 2008 and 2009, two incidents of massive oil spills from the trans Niger pipeline devastated the Bodo River and coastline, destroying every living thing in the river, opportunities, made fishing impossible, and ruined income that could have come from other aquatic resources. the water still remains dark and slippery,the mangroves covered with black mud and the creeks, which are now a mixture of crude and water, have now become the only source of seafood classified as dangerous to health.

Pollution

Report has it that in 2008 and 2009, two incidents of massive oil spills from the Trans-Niger pipeline devastated the Bodo coastline destroying every living thing in the river were recorded. Bodo river major pollutant is oil spillage which have occurred severally.

According to report, In 2008 and 2009, two cased of massive oil slicks from the Trans-Niger pipeline crushed the Bodo River killing each living thing in the waterway. While the local area was managing the spill, one more from the Trans-Niger pipeline at Koloma-Zommadom street shook the local area.

Bodo and other communities mangroves and farmlands were vigorously polluted with raw petroleum spill, which annihilated its environs, making it difficult to fish. However some compensation has been paid to impacted people a decade after the spill, the water actually stays dim and tricky, the mangroves covered with dark mud and the springs, which are presently a combination of unrefined and water, have now turned into the main wellspring of fish named perilous to wellbeing.

A History of Oil Spills in Bodo River

Bodo City has been dealing with a series of oil spills, experiencing a notably intense period of four spills in a single month within the past year. This recurring pattern has initiated conversations regarding the community's susceptibility and the necessity for long-term protective measures.

According to a report released by the Joint Investigative Team (JIV) in August 2022, Shell was identified as the entity responsible for releasing five barrels of crude oil into the Bodo community. This revelation raises concerns about the allocation of responsibility and accountability in the event of such incidents. The ongoing situation in Bodo City underscores the intricate interplay between corporate interests and environmental considerations. It serves as a stark reminder of the broader global challenges that arise from unsustainable practices.

As the situation in Bodo City continues to develop, the community must confront not only the immediate environmental consequences but also engage in broader conversations about ecological sustainability and corporate responsibility. This incident emphasizes the pressing need to address these issues in order to protect local ecosystems and the planet as a whole.