Protesters Block Kaduna Refinery Over Toxic Chemicals Damage

Most of the protesters were women, demanding compensation for the “damages caused by toxic chemicals” that they claim the refinery released into their environment. They called for government intervention, alleging that the chemicals had severely harmed their community.

Protesters from the Kapam community in Chikun LGA of Kaduna state gathered at the entrance of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) on Friday.

Most of the protesters were women, demanding compensation for the “damages caused by toxic chemicals” that they claim the refinery released into their environment. They called for government intervention, alleging that the chemicals had severely harmed their community.

The protesters accused the refinery of releasing chemicals on Tuesday, which they believe led to the death of their livestock and the destruction of their crops, worth millions of naira. According to the community, the chemicals also pose a serious health risk to their people. Their placards reflected their anger, with messages like “KRPC has destroyed our farms and crops,” “KRPC has poisoned us with toxic chemicals,” and “Kapam community in danger: KRPC’s actions are devastating us.” One sign read, “KRPC has ruined our lives. We will not tolerate this!”

Elitaya Udah, one of the women leading the protest, shared her distress with journalists. She explained that their crops were withering and that many children in the community had been taken to the hospital due to the chemical exposure. Holding up a dead plant as proof, she said, “Look at what is happening to our crops. They rushed our children to the hospital yesterday, and even today, some of our women are sick because of the chemicals.”

Udah continued, stating that not only were their crops and animals dying, but the community members were also being exposed to dangerous chemicals, with no response from the refinery. “We are inhaling harmful substances, and yet no one is coming out to address us. We are angry, and we won’t let anyone enter the refinery,” she declared.

Another protester, identified as Rose, described the situation as deeply frustrating. “Our children are suffering because of KRPC’s negligence. They inhaled the toxic chemical and now they are lying in the hospital, fighting for their lives. We can’t afford to lose them,” she said. Rose, along with others, demanded justice and compensation for the harm caused by the refinery. She added, “The refinery must take responsibility for their actions and ensure that this never happens again.”

One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her frustration with the lack of basic services in their community. She lamented, “We have no roads, no electricity, no water. They haven’t given the community anything, and now they are killing us.”

Attempts to get a response from the refinery about the chemical release allegations were unsuccessful. A KRPC staff member from the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) department, Gift Jimirieyigbe, stated that he was not on duty and could not provide any information until he returned to work the following week.

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