Trans-Forcados Oil Spill: Oborevwori Orders Emergency Medical Response as Crisis Spreads to 216 Communities

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered immediate emergency medical deployment and comprehensive intervention following a massive oil spill along the Trans-Forcados pipeline that has now spread across 216 host communities.

Inspecting the devastated terrain in Odidi Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Governor Oborevwori warned that the state government would not stand by and allow residents to suffer severe health consequences or loss of life due to crude oil pollution.

The Governor was accompanied on the high-level assessment tour by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale; Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Buhari; Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu; Commander, 3144 Operating Base NAF, Group Capt. Charles Abara; and State Director of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya.

Addressing community leadership and security heads, Governor Oborevwori stressed that the government’s intervention extends beyond emergency relief supplies, mandating thorough medical examinations for all exposed residents.

He said, “We have to take this matter seriously. Once you see what is happening, you realise that it is a very big issue. We don’t want our people dying at this time. We cannot afford to lose our focus or waste time. We have to act quickly and decisively.”

The Governor directed the State Commissioner for Health to immediately dispatch medical teams to the affected riverine communities to conduct health audits, treat respiratory distress, and assess long-term toxicity risks.

He equally ordered the operator, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), to deploy its own medical teams, distribute relief packages, and strictly adhere to an agreed technical cleanup schedule set for completion before the end of October 2026, after which formal compensation dialogues will commence.

While initial assessments recorded 86 impacted communities, field evaluations revealed that the spill has now contaminated 216 communities, destroying local aquatic life, polluting drinking sources, and paralyzing the local fishing economy.

He stressed that the crisis was not merely about compensation, but about restoring the environment, protecting human lives and safeguarding the livelihoods of the affected people.

Speaking further, he approved the construction of landing jetty for Odidi Community and directed the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government to build a modern health centre for the community.

The Governor also directed the Commissioners Oil and Gas, Chief Peter Uviejitobor and Environment, Mr Moses Ogodo to monitor the timeline on his directives to the Oil company and report back to him.

Responding to the state delegation, General Manager of Operations Integrity at HEOSL, Nelson Wilbert, assured the government that technical crews are working around the clock to conclude installation, stop further leakage, perform pressure testing, and execute full environmental remediation alongside regulatory bodies like the NUPRC.

However, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Doubra Okotete, raised concerns over ongoing environmental degradation, alleging that crude was still leaking from sections of the line and demanding immediate medical aid for villagers suffering from chemical-induced respiratory illnesses.

Chairman of Odidi Community, Comrade Truston Gbenekama, expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for leading a high-powered delegation to the creek, appealing for swift implementation of the promised health facility, potable water systems, and complete environmental reclamation.