Oil spillage and Land degradation: Neconde and Heritage Oil Abandon Delta After Oil Spill

Anger and frustration are mounting among the residents of Odidi Federated Communities in Delta State following a massive oil spill that has ravaged the area’s waterways and mangrove forests.

The spill, which eyewitnesses and community leaders say was caused by dredging activities conducted by Neconde Energy Limited, has led to widespread environmental devastation, threatening the livelihoods of local residents.

According to reliable sources, the spill originated from a trunk line along Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, operated by Heritage Oil Limited.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024, while Neconde Energy was carrying out a dredging exercise in the vicinity.

It is believed that the company’s dredging operations caused a rupture in the pipeline, resulting in a large-scale discharge of crude oil into the surrounding environment.

Multiple videos obtained by Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters reveal the extent of the damage. The footage shows vast swathes of the Odidi communities’ mangrove forests drenched in crude oil, with blackened waters stretching as far as the eye can see.

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

The spill has not only contaminated the water but has also infiltrated the mangrove forests, which serve as a vital ecosystem for marine life and an essential resource for local communities.

The toxic spread threatens fish populations, plants, and wildlife, further complicating the economic situation for residents who depend on fishing, farming, and other natural resources for their livelihoods.

The impact of the spill has prompted outrage among the residents of the affected communities. A community leader, Friday Denghan, expressed his frustration while speaking to our correspondent.

“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, neither of the two companies has come out to find a solution to the problem,” Denghan lamented.

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

As of the time of this report, Neconde Energy Limited has not released an official statement addressing the allegations. Heritage Oil Limited, the operator of the OML 30 block, has also remained silent on the matter.

The spill has 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.