Major oil spill Hits N-Delta Creek as Odidi Community Calls on Heritage, Delta, FG for Urgent Relief

Residents of the oil-rich Odidi community, located in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have despatched urgent appeal to Heritage Petroleum Company, as well as the Federal and state governments, seeking immediate provision of relief materials in the wake of a major oil spill from the Trans Forcados Pipeline operated by Heritage Energy Operational Service Limited (HEOSL).

At a press conference on behalf of the community on Thursday, the chairman of Odidi community, Preye Okrikpa, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of the spill which, he said, "has contaminated local water sources and disrupted the livelihoods of residents who rely on fishing and farming". 

In the signed statement which he made available to journalists at the press conference, Preye Okrikpa, highlighted "the urgent need for food, clean water, and other basic necessities to support the affected families after the spill was reported on September 8, 2025".

"The oil spill has wreaked havoc on our community," he lamented.

Preye Okrikpa spoke further, "Our waters are polluted, our crops are dying, and we are left with little to sustain ourselves.

"We are calling on Heritage Petroleum, as well as the federal and state governments, to provide us with immediate assistance to help us through this crisis."

The community chairman added that the spill has led to a major environmental and humanitarian disaster, with farmlands, swamps, and waterways submerged in crude oil. The long-term effects of such spills are often severe, 

impacting local livelihoods that depend on fishing and farming.

"We are calling for urgent relief material to cushion starvation in Odidi community, Okrikpa said".

Observers noted that the situation in Odidi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities living in oil-producing regions, where environmental degradation often accompanies resource extraction.

It was Gareth that the spill was caused by the catastrophic failure of the 54-year-old and severely corroded pipeline infrastructure.

Originally commissioned by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 1971, the Trans Forcados Pipeline is now far beyond its intended operational lifespan.

A source revealed that the community's Public Relations Officer, Alagoua Innocent, had earlier reported that the leak was detected and reported to Heritage Energy immediately, but the company allegedly d

elayed its response.