Chris Awhawha
A massive oil spill has ravaged and causing environmental degradation in Odidi Federated Community in Warri South West Local government, Delta State.
It was learnt the oil spillage was caused by dredging activities conducted by an oil firm, Neconde Energy Limited, leading to widespread environmental devastation, threatening the livelihoods of local residents.
The oil spill started from a trunk line along Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, which is operated by Heritage Oil Limited.
According to community sources, “The Spillage reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024, while Neconde Energy was carrying out a dredging activities in the area”
Meanwhile, the spill started from a trunk line along Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, which is operated by Heritage Oil Limited.
According to community sources, “The Spillage reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024, while Neconde Energy was carrying out a dredging activities in the area.
“It is believed that the company’s dredging operations led to a rupture in the pipeline, resulting in a large-scale discharge of crude oil into the communities.
The spill has polluted the water ways, infiltrated the mangrove forests that serve as a vital lively hold for marine life for the communities.
A community leader, Friday Denghan, said, “ The toxic spread threatens fish populations, plants, and wildlife, further complicating the economic situation for the residents who depend on fishing, farming, and other natural resources for their livelihood.
“The effect of the spill has prompted outrage among residents of the impacted communities.
“We are already struggling to cope with the economic hardship in the country, and now we are faced with this disaster,” Denghan said.
“Our water, our forests, and our means of survival have been destroyed. We demand that Neconde and Heritage Oil take full responsibility for this and ensure immediate cleanup and compensation.
“It is sad enough that more than 72 hours since this spill started, none of the two companies have come out to find a solution to the problem,” Denghan lamented.
Meanwhile, at the time of this report, Neconde Energy Limited had not released an official statement addressing the allegations. Heritage Oil Limited, the operator of the OML 30 block, had also remained silent on the matter.