Kaduna women protest alleged KRPC chemical pollution, Demand action

Women from the Nissi, Kapam, and Rido communities in Kaduna State staged a protest at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) on Monday, alleging widespread health issues, farmland devastation, and loss of livelihoods due to chemical pollution they claim originated from the facility.

The protesters, who began gathering at the refinery as early as 6:00 a.m., accused KRPC of releasing a harmful chemical in August 2024.

They assert that this alleged emission has caused widespread illness, destroyed their crops, and led to the death of their livestock.

“We are suffering. There is no food, and we have to go elsewhere in search of something to eat. We have fertile land, but we are too afraid to farm,” lamented Mrs Juliana Abrak, Women’s Leader of the Nissi community.

Mrs. Abrak stated that the alleged chemical pollution has made farming impossible, leaving many residents sick and facing hunger.

She also criticized the company’s alleged lack of engagement with the protesters, despite their presence at the premises since the early morning hours.

Mrs. Kelita Yaguda, a resident of Kapam, recounted her personal experience with the suspected chemical exposure, stating that while some residents were taken to the hospital, they only received paracetamol and ulcer medication.

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She claimed the promised week-long treatment was cut short after only two days, and no medical tests were conducted, leaving the community to cope with ongoing health problems and increasing food insecurity.

“Some of our children have even resorted to stealing out of hunger. We are more than 500 people, yet fewer than 50 received any form of assistance,” Yaguda added.

Mrs. Lydia Moses, a women’s leader from Kapam, stated that KRPC officials had repeatedly assured them that compensation would be provided by authorities in Abuja, but no such support has materialized.

She alleged that the company documented the damage in December and promised a response within two weeks, but five months later, no action has been taken.

She further claimed that crops have failed, livestock have died, and some women have tragically suffered miscarriages.

The protesting women are calling on both KRPC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd to take immediate and decisive action to address their health concerns and provide adequate compensation to the affected families.

As of the time of reporting by the National Daily Newspaper, KRPC officials had not yet responded to the demands of the protesters.