WARRI: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured residents of Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area that his administration will ensure oil companies operating in the area fulfil their responsibilities to host communities affected by oil spills and other environmental challenges.
The governor gave the assurance during a working visit to oil spill locations in Uzere, where he inspected the affected areas to assess the extent of the environmental damage and obtain first-hand information about the incident.
Oborevwori explained that although his administration had been monitoring developments through reports from government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders, he considered it important to visit the affected locations personally to understand the situation and determine the necessary government interventions.
He disclosed that the state government would extend medical assistance to residents affected by the incident, directing the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, to coordinate appropriate healthcare services and medical examinations to identify possible health implications arising from the oil spill.
According to the governor, the intervention would be similar to the medical outreach previously conducted in Odidi, where the state government deployed more than 100 medical personnel to provide healthcare services to affected residents.
He emphasised that the proposed medical intervention would cover not only residents living close to the affected oil spill locations but also other members of the Uzere community who might have been exposed to environmental hazards.
The governor said the health intervention was necessary to ensure that residents received proper medical attention and that any potential health consequences were identified early
Oborevwori also disclosed that the state government had engaged Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), the company operating in the area, and received explanations concerning the incident and the measures being taken to contain it.
He noted that the company had commenced preliminary engagements with the host communities before beginning containment and clean-up operations.
However, the governor stressed that containing the immediate effects of the spill would not be sufficient without comprehensive remediation to address the environmental damage.
He urged Heritage Energy to sustain its engagement with the affected communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that their legitimate demands were addressed in accordance with established procedures.
Oborevwori also appealed to residents not to interpret the time required to resolve their complaints as a lack of commitment by the state government, explaining that certain administrative and regulatory processes must be followed.
“Delay is not denial. There are procedures and processes, and that is the reason for any delay,” the governor stated.
He explained that his visit was also intended to facilitate direct discussions between the government, the operating company and the host communities.
The governor was accompanied by commissioners responsible for Oil and Gas, Environment, Youth Development, Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information.
He commended the people of Uzere for maintaining peace despite their concerns over the environmental incident, describing dialogue and constructive engagement as important approaches to resolving disagreements between oil-producing communities and operating companies.
He further urged Heritage Energy to cooperate with the host communities and demonstrate commitment to resolving the issues arising from the incident.
Speaking during the visit, the Manager of Government and Community Relations at Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Dr Jeremiah Oharisi, provided an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Oharisi said the company received information about gas build-up at the affected well on June 27, explaining that gas had accumulated in the reservoir before eventually forcing its way to the surface.
According to him, the development resulted in bubbling and the escape of some crude oil, prompting the company to activate its emergency response procedures.
He said the company immediately took steps to secure the affected location, sensitise members of the host community, evacuate residents from the immediate vicinity and deploy fire trucks to the area.
He added that the company also initiated efforts to contain and recover the escaping crude oil as part of its emergency response operations.
The governor’s visit comes amid continuing concerns over the environmental and public health implications of oil-related incidents in the Niger Delta, where host communities have repeatedly called for effective clean-up operations, environmental restoration and greater accountability from oil companies.
For the people of Uzere, the immediate priorities include effective containment of the spill, proper environmental remediation, access to medical examinations and assurances that the affected communities will receive appropriate attention.
The state government’s engagement with Heritage Energy and the promised medical intervention will therefore be important steps in addressing the concerns raised by residents.
