Oborevwori Assures Uzere Communities of Action Over Oil Spill, Orders Medical Checks

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured residents of Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area that his administration will ensure Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) meets its obligations to communities affected by oil spills and environmental pollution.

Oborevwori gave the assurance on Friday during an inspection of affected sites in Uzere, where he assessed the extent of the environmental damage and engaged with community representatives and officials of the operating company.

The governor said his administration had been monitoring developments in Uzere and other affected communities, including Odidi, through reports from government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He, however, explained that he decided to visit the affected locations personally to obtain first-hand information and determine the necessary steps to address the situation.

Recalling the state government's intervention following a similar incident in Odidi, Oborevwori disclosed that more than 100 medical personnel were deployed to provide healthcare services to affected residents.

He assured the people of Uzere that a similar medical intervention would be extended to their community.

The governor consequently directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, to ensure that residents of the affected areas received adequate medical attention, including examinations to determine possible health consequences of the incident.

He added that the medical exercise would also cover residents of Uzere town.

On the response of Heritage Energy, Oborevwori said the state government had engaged the company and received explanations on the measures taken to contain the incident.

He noted that the company had begun preliminary consultations with the host communities before commencing containment and cleanup operations, expressing satisfaction that the cleanup exercise was already underway.

However, he stressed that the cleanup must be followed by comprehensive environmental remediation to address the damage caused by the spill.

The governor also urged the company to sustain meaningful engagement with the affected communities and ensure that their legitimate concerns were addressed.

Addressing concerns over delays in resolving some of the communities' demands, Oborevwori urged residents not to interpret the time required to follow established procedures as a lack of commitment by his administration.

“Delay is not denial. There are procedures and processes, and that is the reason for any delay. I am here with the Commissioners for Oil and Gas, Environment and Youth Development, Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, to see things for ourselves, meet with the host community and engage with the company,” he said.

He commended the people of Uzere for maintaining peace despite their grievances, stressing that dialogue remained the most effective way to resolve disputes between host communities and oil companies.

Oborevwori further called on Heritage Energy to cooperate with the communities and demonstrate greater sensitivity to their concerns, assuring residents of the state government's continued support in securing a fair and lasting resolution.

Earlier, the Manager of Government and Community Relations at Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Dr. Jeremiah Oharisi, explained that the company received information about gas build-up at the well on June 27.

According to him, the well had two production strings, identified as Lima and Syria, which were shut down in 2019 and 2023, respectively, leaving the facility inactive before the incident.

Oharisi said gas had accumulated in the reservoir and eventually forced its way to the surface, causing bubbling and the escape of some crude oil.

He added that the company immediately activated its emergency response procedures, including securing the affected location, sensitising the host community, evacuating residents from the vicinity and deploying fire trucks.

Measures were also initiated to contain and recover the escaping crude oil, he said.

However, the President-General of Uzere Kingdom, Chief Edward Onyagbodor, expressed dissatisfaction with the company's intervention, saying its response had largely been limited to the provision of palliatives estimated at between ₦10.2 million and ₦10.6 million.

Similarly, a former President-General of the Isoko Development Union, Chief Iduh Amadhe, appealed to Governor Oborevwori to prevail on Heritage Energy to demonstrate greater commitment to the welfare and development of its host communities.

Amadhe disclosed that Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, operated by Heritage Energy, comprises 112 host communities, including 89 Urhobo, 13 Isoko, six Ijaw and four Itsekiri communities.

The affected communities are now seeking a comprehensive response from the state government and the operating company, including environmental remediation, healthcare support and measures to protect their livelihoods.