Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered immediate medical intervention and an urgent clean-up of communities affected by an oil spill in the Odidi area of the Warri South-West Local Government Area.
Oborevwori gave the directive during a visit to the affected coastal communities, where he inspected the extent of pollution and met community representatives, company officials and security chiefs.
The governor’s visit followed protests by fishermen and women who said the pollution had disrupted fishing activities and threatened their livelihoods.
Oborevwori assured residents that free medical services would be provided to assess the health impact of the spill on people living in the affected communities.
He also appealed to protesting youths to remain calm, saying the clean-up exercise would commence on Monday.
The governor further assured the communities that compensation would be considered after the clean-up exercise.
The oil spill involved the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, which is managed by Heritage Oil, with crude reportedly spilling into the Escravos waters.
The chairman of Odidi community, Comrade Truston Gbenekama, appealed for additional relief materials to support residents affected by the pollution.
The governor said the state government would continue to engage the affected communities and other stakeholders as efforts to contain the environmental impact of the spill get underway.
The clean-up is expected to be completed by the end of October.
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