By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, has visited the scene of the recent oil spill at OML 30, operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), to assess the extent of the incident and reassure residents of Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state’s unwavering commitment to their safety, well-being, and the prompt containment of the spill.
During the visit, Uviejitobor urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government, in collaboration with HEOSL and relevant regulatory agencies, is taking the necessary steps to contain the spill and mitigate its environmental impact.
He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration remains committed to protecting lives, livelihoods, and the environment, noting that every effort is being made to ensure a swift response and a thorough assessment of the incident.
The Commissioner reassured the community that the government was closely monitoring the situation, stressing that the safety, health, and well-being of residents remain a top priority. He urged the people to remain calm while the necessary response mechanisms are being deployed.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Warri Ovoke, described the incident as unfortunate and assured residents that swift action was being taken to mitigate its impact.
Ovoke reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with relevant government agencies and the operating company to ensure the spill is contained without delay.
The Youth Chairman of the Uzere Community, Mr. Miller James, appealed to the government to urgently organize a comprehensive medical outreach for residents, warning that prolonged exposure to crude oil pollution could pose serious health risks to the community.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee, Mr. Colobus Oguname, urged both the government and the operating company to intensify efforts to contain the spill.
He cautioned that any further delay could lead to widespread environmental degradation, destroy farmlands and fishing waters, and worsen the socio-economic hardship of residents whose livelihoods depend on the affected natural resources.
Residents expressed optimism that the government’s intervention and the planned technical assessment would lead to the prompt containment of the spill and the restoration of the affected environment.
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