Women from the Nissi, Kapam, and Rido communities staged a protest at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) on Monday, voicing their concerns over alleged chemical pollution that has adversely affected their health, farmland, and livelihoods. The protest began as early as 6:00 a.m., with the women accusing the company of releasing harmful chemicals in August 2024, leading to widespread illness, crop destruction, and livestock deaths.

Mrs. Juliana Abrak, the women’s leader from the Nissi community, expressed the dire situation, stating that the chemical emissions have rendered farming impossible and left many residents sick and hungry. She lamented, “We are suffering. There is no food, and we have to go elsewhere in search of something to eat.”

Another resident, Mrs. Kelita Yaguda from Kapam, shared her experience with suspected chemical exposure, mentioning inadequate medical assistance. “They took some of us to the hospital but only gave us paracetamol and ulcer medication,” she said, highlighting the lack of proper treatment and ongoing health issues in the community.

Mrs. Lydia Moses, another women’s leader, criticized KRPC officials for their unfulfilled promises of compensation. “They came in December, documented the damage, and promised a response within two weeks. It’s now May, and nothing has been done,” she stated, emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by the community.

The protesters called for urgent action from KRPC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd to address their health concerns and provide compensation to affected families. As of the time of reporting, KRPC officials had yet to respond to the protesters’ demands.