By Paul Emeka Chimodo
Despite being a host community to several international oil companies and numerous oil wells, Rumuekpe has been neglected by both the government and the oil companies, struggling with basic amenities.
Felix Okogbule, an indigene of the community, is appealing to the Federal and State Governments, as well as the operating oil companies in the community to come to their aid.
Okogbule highlighted the lack of healthcare facilities, schools, drinking water, and electricity, despite crude oil production commencing in the community in 1958.
He also noted that their farmlands have been polluted, rendering them unable to farm and leaving the community in a dire situation.
Okogbule further drew attention to the dilapidated state of the secondary school, citing the absence of adequate teachers, with just five teachers trying to manage the entire school.
He accused the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, of neglecting the community, even in recent efforts to provide street lights to various wards in the local government.
It would interest you to know that Shell, Ajip, Total, and Aradel oil companies, are all operating in Rumuekpe community.