Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), operator of Oil Mining Lease 30, has relocated more than 100 residents of Uzere community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State following reported gas emissions in the area. The company said the move was a precautionary measure to protect people living close to the affected locations while investigations continue.
The development follows reports by residents of a suspected gas leak at Well 14, operated by HEOSL, where gas was reportedly bubbling through the ground and waterways. The incident raised concerns in the community and prompted Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to visit the area and order urgent intervention.
The relocation was carried out in collaboration with community leaders and the local government council. HEOSL’s Manager of Community Relations, Jeremiah Oharisi, said the company was prioritising residents’ safety while working with relevant authorities to establish the source and nature of the emissions.
The response was highlighted during a multi-agency visit involving the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Delta State Emergency Management Agency, NOSDRA, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nigerian Army, NUPRC and the OML 30 joint venture partners. NEMA’s South-South Director, Godwin Tepikor, commended the relocation but urged continued cooperation to support other residents seeking assistance.
Tepikor said government agencies had a responsibility to provide humanitarian support to affected people regardless of the outcome of the ongoing investigations. He also called for sustained engagement with community representatives to address their concerns.
HEOSL said its emergency response team had conducted gas sampling, air quality assessments and monitoring across the affected locations. It also engaged independent technical specialists to analyse samples, while NUPRC facilitated the visit of Norwegian experts who collected additional samples for advanced isotope analysis to help determine the source and composition of the emissions.
Speaking for the community, Dr Uyomatere Ajirioghene acknowledged the company’s intervention and the relocation of residents but said more support was needed. The visiting delegation also met the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, Udogri I, before holding a town hall meeting where residents raised complaints and discussed further measures to address the incident.
