Oil Spillage: Odidi, Kantu Federated Communities Protest, Threaten to Shut Heritage Energy’s Warri Office

Residents of Odidi and Kantu Federated Communities on Tuesday staged a protest at the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, TFP, operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, over an oil spill they say has endangered lives, health, and aquatic life.

The protest, described by community leaders as “Day 1” of an escalating action, was held at the pipeline facility through which more than six Oil Mining Leases, OMLs, are said to transport crude, a source said.

According to residents, the spill occurred on February 19, 2026, and was reported to Heritage Energy on February 20. As of the date of the protest, the company was yet to respond or commence remediation.

“The spill occurred on the 19th of February and was reported on the 20th, and till date, they’ve not responded,” a community source stated.

Speaking during the protest, the Chairman of Odidi Community, Comrade Truston Gbenekama, said the action would be intensified if the company failed to act.

“This is an escalating protest. This is Day 1. Day 2 will be another phase, and it may also lead to the shutdown of their head office in Warri,” he said.

Also speaking to newsmen, Ambassador Mamamu Ben, Secretary of Odidi Community, said the Federated Communities were demanding an immediate and comprehensive cleanup of the impacted areas.

“If there’s no cleanup, there will be no operation. We will be here until the proper cleanup is done,” Mamamu added.

The protest took an emotional turn as several residents recounted the health risks and trauma caused by past incidents on the same pipeline.

Success Aribogha told newsmen that her sister and three children died in a fire outbreak linked to a spill from the same pipeline.  

“We don’t want to die in a fire outbreak. We have lost family before. We are afraid and we are tired,” Aribogha said.

Fisherwoman Evelyn Jackson said the current spill has destroyed aquatic life and threatened the livelihoods of families who depend on fishing.  

“We are losing our livelihood. The water is polluted and our fish are dying. We are calling on Heritage Energy to clean up urgently,” she said.

Resident Blessing Abimone vowed that the protest would continue until the company responds. “We will not quit until the company responds to us,” she said.

Others, including Elder Efiyeseimokumor P. and Caro Matthew, said residents have fallen ill since the incident. Protesters were also heard chanting, “We nor go gree,” meaning “we will not agree” in Pidgin English.

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited had not issued a response at the time of filing this report.