A large group of Kapam community members staged a peaceful protest on Monday at the Kaduna NNPC gate, dressed in black to symbolize grief and frustration.
The demonstrators gathered to draw attention to the ongoing environmental damage caused by benzene chemical leaks that have affected their farmlands since August of last year. They accused the government of maintaining a troubling silence on the issue, despite the severe consequences for their community.
Dependent largely on agriculture, the Kapam villagers say the chemical spill has destroyed their crops and rendered their farmlands unusable. They are demanding urgent compensation and swift action to remediate the damage. The community holds the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) responsible, and called for not just urgent compensation but long term solutions to prevent further environmental degradation.
Samuel, speaking on behalf of the community, voiced deep disappointment at the continued inaction. “The company promised to compensate us for the chemical that destroyed our farms, but up till now, nothing has been done,” Samuel stated.
In a bid to force action, the protesters have taken the drastic step of blocking access to the NNPC gate. This move, they say, is a last resort after months of being ignored. The demonstration is intended not only to demand justice and compensation but also to urge authorities to prioritize environmental safety and community welfare moving forward.
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