Oil spill: Delta community accuses Neconde over neglect, calls for cleanups, remediation efforts

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The Odidi Federated Community in Warri South West Local government area of Delta State is currently pouring out its anger and frustration following a massive oil spill that has caused a continuous environmental degradation in the area.

Congress learnt that the oil spillage was caused by dredging activities conducted by Neconde Energy Limited and it had led to widespread environmental devastation, threatening the livelihoods of local residents.

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.

However, multiple videos had revealed the extent of the damage of our waterways and farm land. The footage showed vast swathes of the Odidi communities’ mangrove forests drenched in crude oil, with the blackened waters stretching far.

In the clips, residents can be seen inspecting the affected areas, their faces etched with despair as they navigate through the oil-slicked landscape.

The spill had not only polluted the water ways but had also infiltrated the mangrove forests that serve as a vital lively hold for marine life for the communities.

However, a community leader Friday Denghan expressed his frustration while speaking to our correspondent.

“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.

Denghan’s sentiments reflect a broader dissatisfaction within the community, as many residents are now calling for legal action against the companies involved.

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.

“The spill had also reignited the broader debate over the impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta and the need for stronger regulations to protect the region’s delicate ecosystems”, he added.