RismadarVoice Reporters
August 5, 2026
Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Media Advocates (ISDMA) in Akwa Ibom State has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged pollution of major sources of drinking water in seven communities in Abak Midim Clan of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, allegedly linked to the operations of Sterling Global Petroleum and Exploration Company.
The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Director of Information, Mfonobong Ukpong, expressed concern over what it described as an environmental and humanitarian crisis affecting the communities of Ikot Obio Atara, Ikot Akpan Udo, Ikot Utiat, Ikot Etok-Ideh, Ikot Akpakpan, Ikot Inuen and Ikot Oko.
ISDMA said the affected communities, located along the East-West Road on the Akwa Ibom–Rivers State boundary, have for generations depended on streams in the area for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, farming and fishing.
The group disclosed that it undertook a fact-finding visit to the communities on August 4 following complaints by residents over the deteriorating condition of their water sources.
According to the statement, members of the delegation observed that some of the streams appeared visibly discoloured and muddy, while residents alleged that the situation became noticeable after drilling and underground pipeline activities associated with Sterling Global Petroleum.
The Village Head of Ikot Utiat, Etteidung Akpan Moses Adambanga, alleged that the Ikot Utiat Stream, which connects to the Imo River, had served as the community’s primary source of water for generations before it became polluted.
A youth representative and Environmental, Health and Safety professional, Mr Nnamso Fred, also alleged that the once-clear stream had turned brown and muddy, while aquatic life had drastically declined.
He further claimed that residents had notified the company about three years ago and that representatives of Sterling Global visited the site and promised to address the problem, but no remedial action had been taken.
Residents also alleged that they now depend on water purchased from neighbouring communities at about ₦250 per jerry can, while some claimed the condition of the water had exposed children and other residents to health challenges.
The Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Sunday Festus, who has been engaging the company over the concerns raised by the affected communities, criticised Sterling Global’s Corporate Social Responsibility record, alleging that it had failed to provide potable drinking water despite the prolonged hardship faced by residents.
During the visit, a representative of Sterling Global Petroleum at the project site, who identified himself simply as Subanhkl, declined to comment on the allegations, saying he was not authorised to make an official statement without approval from the company’s head office.
While noting that the allegations require independent scientific verification, ISDMA called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and other relevant regulatory bodies to immediately conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected water sources.
The advocacy group also urged Sterling Global Petroleum to cooperate with regulatory investigations and, as an emergency humanitarian measure, provide potable drinking water to the affected communities pending the outcome of the investigation.
ISDMA further stated that should investigations establish that the company’s operations contributed to the degradation of the streams, it expects comprehensive environmental remediation, restoration of the affected water sources, and appropriate compensation and livelihood support for impacted residents.
The group maintained that industrial development should not come at the expense of the health, environment and livelihoods of host communities and pledged to continue advocating for accountability and responsible corporate conduct.
