Protesters have blocked Kaduna Refinery, demanding compensation for a toxic chemical spill. Get the latest updates on this unfolding situation.
On Friday, protesters numbering in the hundreds from Kapam community located in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State barricaded the entrance to KRPC (Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company). Their demand was for compensation due to damages resulting from discharge of toxic chemicals originating from the refinery.
Carrying placards, the protesters – predominantly women – contended that their farms had been decimated by chemical discharges from the refinery. They also alleged loss of animal life and a grave threat to their overall health.
Among the placards, there were inscriptions stating that KRPC had devastated crops and poisoned members of the community with toxic chemicals. Furthermore, residents expressed concerns about Kapam Community being in danger due to KRPC’s actions which have reportedly caused devastation and ruined their lives. The messages conveyed on the placards also included a strong stance against tolerating such mistreatment from KRPC.
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A protester elucidated on the detrimental effects of KRPC’s chemical discharge, highlighting how their children have been affected due to the company’s negligence.
He explained that the children had breathed in a poisonous chemical and were presently lying in the hospital fighting for their lives. He emphasized how crucial it was not to lose them under any circumstances.
Justice and compensation are demanded for our suffering. The refinery is responsible for their actions and must ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Pleading with KRPC to address the community’s plight, a female protester expressed concern about the residents’ health and lack of medical care.
She mentioned that their survival is being threatened due to contaminated food.
“She further lamented that KRPC must intervene and give us the essential support. We are unable to accomplish this on our own.”
According to some demonstrators, the chemical discharge resulted in millions of naira worth of financial losses.
The refinery was accused of neglecting the host community by failing to provide vital services like schools, hospitals, electricity and basic healthcare facilities.
Comprehensive compensation for their losses and instant measures to alleviate the environmental and health impacts of the refinery’s activities were demanded by the indigenous people.
As of the time this report was filed, there has been no response from the management of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company to the demands made by protesters. No statements have been given to address or acknowledge the situation either publicly or through media channels.
