In the last five years, the media both within Rivers State and Outside has been inaundated with reports of the presence of a particulate black substance in the atmosphere of Rivers State and others in the Niger Delta.
Rivers State Government responded with the constitution of a technical committee which has since submitted it report.
Accusing fingers are being pointed at the proliferations of illegal oil refineries popularly known as “Kpofire”.
Environmental experts have also accused the military of contributing to the soot through the destructions of illegal oil vessels thereby spilling the contents into the environment.
They also urged for a halt to gas flaring and burning of tyres.
Meanwhile Health Experts also commented on health implications of the sooth.
They listed some of the health challenges to include: cancer, kidney failures, cardiac arrest and others.
Meanwhile, the Director Health Of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Dr. Nnimmo Bassey has called for the declaration of a state of health emergencies in Rivers State and other States in the Niger Delta Region.
Bassey who said this while reacting to the outcry against the black sooth in a Radio interview in Port Harcourt described the sooth as dangerous to the health of the people.
He said the black substance has adverse effect on human lives adding that illness such as, bronchitis, cancer, kidney failures and others are traceable to the burning of fosil fuel.
The Environmental Expert said apart from the calls for a halt to the proliferations of illegal refineries popularly known as “Kpofire” other activities such as gas flaming, burning of tyres and burning of illegal crude oil barges by the military must be stopped.
He regreted that those being affected by the problems are the poor villagers who have nothing to do with Kpofire business.
The environmentalist who attributed the influx of youths into the illegal refinery business stressed the need for the government to provide job opportunities for youths in the region.
He argued that aside from the provision of job opportunities government at all level have responsibility to provide a safe environment for the citizens to live.
Bassey said it is also the responsibility of government to educate the citizens to know that those who indulged in Kpofire business cannot live long.
He also called on members of community Development committees (CDCS) of the various communities to call their youths to order.

By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama