Six Months of Crude Pollution: Hunger, Sickness Ravage Delta Community as Odidi Demands End to Heritage Energy Operations

By Ezekiel Kagbala

WARRI, DELTA STATE — Hunger, sickness and hardship are ravaging residents of oil-rich Odidi Federated Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State, amid a crude oil spill said to have persisted for six months. 

Community leaders said crude remains in their rivers, creeks and fishing grounds, destroying livelihoods and leaving families struggling for food and income. They have consequently sent an urgent SOS to the Federal and Delta State Governments, NEMA, NOSDRA and international humanitarian organisations for immediate intervention.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Community Chairman Prince Preye Okrikpa, Secretary of Odidi, Clement Numa and the PRO, Comrade Konkemele Michael demanded immediate containment, cleanup, medical support, relief materials, compensation and PIA engagement. 

They accused Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) of failing to resolve the crisis despite assurances following a recent protest at its premises. “Our call on Heritage Energy to stop the oil spill, provide medical support, relief materials, compensation and PIA engagement has not been given any attention,” they said.

Residents attributed the pollution to an aged and corroded section of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, identifying the Keremor manifold as a major area of concern. They alleged that crude continues to enter the waterways, worsening environmental damage and fears of fire. Fishing, a major source of livelihood, has been severely disrupted, while the community also reported health concerns linked to the polluted environment.

Michael warned that residents could take stronger action if the pollution continues. “We will commence capital action if they do not stop further operations until they curtail the spill,” he said. 

The community urged NOSDRA and other authorities to establish the source and extent of the spill and enforce immediate containment and remediation, while NEMA and humanitarian organisations provide emergency food, water, healthcare and relief.

For Odidi, the crisis has become a question of survival, with residents demanding that the crude be stopped, polluted waterways restored and affected livelihoods protected.