Residents of six villages in Midim Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area — Ikot Obio Atara, Ikot Akpan Udo, Ikot Etegh-Ideh, Ikot Utiat, Ikot Akpakpan and Ikot Okoh — have raised concerns over the pollution of their primary water source, a stream connected to the Imo River. The pollution followed the installation of underground pipelines by Sterling Global Petroleum, according to community leaders. Etteidung Akpan Moses Adambanga, Village Head of Ikot Utiat, stated the stream had served generations for drinking, cooking, bathing, farming and fishing until the company's operations began. Since then, the water has turned brown and muddy, with aquatic life nearly gone.
Nnamso Fred, a youth representative and environmental, health and safety professional, said he reported the water changes to the company three years ago. Sterling Global representatives visited, inspected and acknowledged their drilling activities had affected the water, but no remediation has been done. Families now pay ₦250 per jerry can to buy water from neighbouring communities. Nelson Nkanga, Youth President of Ikot Utiat, called for a solar-powered water project, road rehabilitation and job opportunities for youths.
At Ikot Akpakpan, the stream is similarly discoloured and unsafe. Resident Courage Mfon said children have fallen ill from drinking the water, with some hospitalised, and families cannot afford daily water purchases. She urged the company to provide clean water, fix roads and support medical care. A company engineer at the site, Subanhkl, declined to comment without head office approval. Oruk Anam LGA Chairman Sunday Festus toured the area and criticised Sterling Global's CSR record, noting the firm has not provided potable water despite ongoing operations and community hardship.
Sterling Global Petroleum acknowledged its drilling affected the stream yet took no remedial action for three years despite knowing the consequences. Residents are left paying for water while the company continues operations without fulfilling basic obligations to the host communities.
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