Residents of Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area have been urged to remain calm following the massive crude oil spill that has ravaged farmlands, polluted water bodies and sparked fears of a major environmental disaster in the oil-producing community.
Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. (Comr.) Friday Ovoke Warri, made the appeal during an inspection of the affected area alongside the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor. The visit was aimed at assessing the extent of the damage and reassuring residents that government is taking urgent steps to address the situation.
The oil spill, reportedly caused by equipment failure at a facility operated by Heritage Energy Operating Services Limited (HEOSL) on June 27, 2026, has left widespread devastation in its wake. Large stretches of farmland have been submerged in crude oil, while rivers and streams used for fishing and domestic purposes have been contaminated, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of farmers and fishermen.
Among the worst-hit areas is Uheri Quarter, where residents lamented the destruction of cultivated farmlands and expressed concern over the growing environmental and economic impact of the spill.
Speaking during the inspection, Warri assured the community that the Delta State Government was working closely with Heritage Energy and relevant regulatory agencies to contain the spill and prevent further damage.
He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing that emergency measures were already in place to bring the situation under control.
“Remain calm. We are closely monitoring the situation, and every effort is being made to ensure the spill is contained and does not get out of control. Government will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment,” the council chairman stated.
A representative of Heritage Energy Operating Services Limited disclosed that emergency response procedures had been activated immediately after the incident. The official added that foreign technical experts were already on their way to Nigeria to reinforce ongoing containment operations and ensure a lasting solution to the spill.
Also speaking, former President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Chief Iduh Amaidhe, expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of containment efforts. He warned that Uzere’s flood-prone terrain could worsen the crisis if heavy rains spread the crude oil into neighbouring communities, rivers and additional farmlands.
“Uzere is a flood-prone community. If the rains intensify and floodwaters carry the crude oil into our farmlands and rivers, the impact on our people will be devastating. We appeal to the government and the operating company to act swiftly to protect our community from a greater environmental disaster,” Amaidhe said.
Uzere occupies a significant place in Nigeria’s petroleum history as the country’s second crude oil discovery site after Oloibiri in present-day Bayelsa State.
The latest spill has renewed calls for stronger environmental safeguards and stricter operational standards in oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta.
The joint inspection by state and local government officials underscores ongoing collaboration with Heritage Energy Operating Services Limited and relevant stakeholders to contain the spill, mitigate its environmental impact and ensure the restoration of affected communities.
