Women from Nissi, Kapam, and Rido communities in Kaduna gathered at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) to protest against chemical pollution they say has severely affected their health, farmland, and livelihoods.
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The protesters claimed that a chemical emission in August 2024 caused widespread illness, destroyed crops, and killed livestock.
Mrs. Juliana Abrak, leader of the women from Nissi community, described the hardships they face, explaining that much of their fertile land is now unused out of fear of further contamination. “We are suffering. There is no food, and we have to go elsewhere in search of something to eat,” she said.
Several residents shared their difficulties, highlighting inadequate medical care and unmet promises from authorities. Mrs. Kelita Yaguda of Kapam revealed that she was only given paracetamol and ulcer medicine, without any thorough medical examinations. Mrs. Lydia Moses, a women’s leader also from Kapam, noted that although officials documented the damage in December 2024, promised compensation has yet to be delivered.
The protesters called on Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd to take immediate steps to resolve the health issues and provide compensation to affected families. At the time of reporting, officials from KRPC had not responded to the protest.
