The Rivers State House of Assembly has ordered an investigation into allegations that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited neglected oil spills that severely affected B-Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area.

The action follows a petition submitted by the community through their Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co., and presented on the Assembly floor by the Deputy Speaker. Speaker Martins Amaewhule referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, chaired by Dr. Enemi Alabo George.

According to the petition, an oil spill occurred on May 7, 2025, along the 24 Ogale-Bomu Pipeline that crosses the community. A joint report by officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and local representatives confirmed the spill was caused by equipment failure.

The petition detailed the devastating effects on the community, stating that the spill damaged vegetation, leading to defoliation, stunted growth, and plant mortality. Toxic hydrocarbons in the oil also contaminated underground water and disrupted farming and other economic activities, causing loss of income, livelihoods, and psychological stress among residents.

The petitioners expressed concern over Renaissance Energy’s lack of response, noting that the company neither cleaned up the affected areas nor compensated the victims following an initial, unsuccessful negotiation.

The community appealed to the Assembly to hold Renaissance solely responsible for the environmental and economic damage. They requested immediate compensation for losses, as well as a thorough clean-up and restoration of affected land, water sources, and ecosystems.

Dr. Enemi Alabo George, chairman of the committee handling the petition, assured that the matter would receive prompt attention.