𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔: 𝗢𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗶 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗢𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲

By NigerDelta Voice,

Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Residents of Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have raised fresh concerns over an oil spill allegedly linked to the operations of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), accusing the company of continuing crude oil activities while petroleum products are reportedly entering surrounding rivers, creeks and shores.

The community claims that the pollution has persisted for about six months, with residents alleging that the spill has contaminated waterways, affected fishing grounds and threatened the livelihoods of people who depend heavily on fishing and other aquatic activities.

According to community members, crude oil is allegedly still being pumped through the company's facilities despite the unresolved leak, prompting concerns about the possible expansion of the affected area and further environmental degradation.

The development reportedly led residents to protest at Heritage Energy's operational office in Edjeba, Warri, where they demanded urgent intervention to stop the pollution and address the environmental consequences.

The protesters are calling on the company and relevant regulatory authorities to identify and shut down the source of the leak, contain the spilled crude, assess the extent of the damage and commence a comprehensive cleanup and remediation programme.

For residents, the issue goes beyond the immediate presence of crude oil in the waterways, as prolonged contamination could have serious implications for fishing activities, aquatic life, access to clean water and the broader local economy.

The community is also seeking greater transparency from the company and regulators over the cause of the spill, the volume of crude reportedly discharged and the measures being taken to prevent further pollution.

The situation has renewed calls for prompt regulatory action in oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the environmental impact of oil exploration and production.

As of the time of this report, the allegations contained in the community's claims require independent verification and a response from Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and the relevant regulatory agencies.

Residents, however, insist that immediate action is necessary, warning that continued discharge of crude into the environment could worsen the damage to their waterways and livelihoods.