On the 15th of June 1993 one of Shell's numerous pipelines that criss-cross Ogoni, gave way to corrosion and spewed crude oil into the surrounding environment of Botem. It was a major spill. Independent sources put the amount of crude oil spilled at over 2,000 barrels. The spill affected the Osadegha stream which runs through several communities, farmlands, sacred places and essential water sources.
Chief Fabian Ndine, paramount ruler of Botem was away when the spill occurred. When he returned to the village, he was informed of the environmental disaster. "I immediately led a team to Shell where I reported the spill on the 18th of June 1993", said Chief
Ndine.... Shell assured the Chief that they would "mobilise a technical crew to Botem immediately".
Upon his return to the community, he informed his people that Shell would be coming very soon to stop the spill. Shell never came as promised.
