Fresh spill hits Odidi, raising fears of fire and environmental disaster
Residents accuse Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited of negligence
Calls mount on National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency for urgent intervention
Residents of Odidi in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have raised alarm over a fresh oil spill, warning that lives and livelihoods are under serious threat.
The spill, reportedly traced to the Kremor Manifold loading trunk on the Trans Forcados pipeline operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, was captured in a video showing crude oil spreading across a river.
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In the footage, an eyewitness expressed fears of a possible fire outbreak due to gas fumes in the atmosphere.
“I nor know why dem nor fit tell Heritage make dem stop the operation first so dat dey can put the pipe in order. The thing don get worse. Even we wey dey here, our lives are at risk,” the resident said.
Reacting, community youth leader Truston Gbenekama described the situation as dangerous, recalling a tragic 2015 incident in which a woman and her children were burnt to death following a similar spill.
He criticised what he termed the prioritisation of profit over human safety and environmental protection, warning that the latest development threatens both public health and economic survival in the area.
Gbenekama called on the company to immediately halt operations and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to urgently assess and contain the damage.
He also demanded relief materials for affected residents and stricter enforcement of operational standards by authorities.
“The safety of the lives of Deltans are more important than crude oil,” he said.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns over environmental degradation in oil-producing communities, with residents insisting on urgent action to prevent further disaster.
