By Abbas Nazil
More than 100 residents of Uzere community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State have been relocated following suspected gas emissions believed to be linked to Well 14, operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL).
The relocation was carried out as a precautionary measure to protect people living close to the affected locations while investigations continue to establish the source and composition of the emissions.
The operation involved government emergency agencies, security personnel, regulatory authorities, community representatives and the joint venture partners operating Oil Mining Lease 30.
The development followed weeks of growing concern among residents over suspected gas leakage around Well 14, where gas was reportedly observed bubbling through the ground and waterways.
The incident raised fears about possible environmental and public health consequences, prompting Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to visit the community and direct urgent intervention to protect residents and address their concerns.
During a multi-agency visit to Uzere, HEOSL said it had worked with community leaders and the local government council to relocate residents living closest to the suspected emission points.
Speaking during the engagement, the company’s Manager of Community Relations, Jeremiah Oharisi, said the safety of residents remained its priority while investigations into the reported gas activity continued.
He explained that the relocation was intended to minimise potential exposure to the emissions while technical assessments were being conducted to determine their nature and origin.
Oharisi added that the company recognised its responsibility to support host communities, particularly during periods of uncertainty and distress.
The Director of the South-South Directorate of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Godwin Tepikor, commended HEOSL for its intervention, especially the relocation of residents, but called for sustained cooperation with the Delta State Emergency Management Agency and community representatives.
He also urged the authorities and other stakeholders to address the concerns of additional residents seeking assistance, stressing that government had a responsibility to provide humanitarian support to people affected by emergencies regardless of the outcome of ongoing investigations.
As part of efforts to establish the source of the emissions, HEOSL said its emergency response team had conducted repeated gas sampling, air quality assessments and monitoring across identified locations.
The company also disclosed that it had deployed its dedicated fire department, which operates five fire trucks, as part of its response arrangements.
In addition, independent technical specialists were engaged to analyse collected gas samples, while the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission facilitated the involvement of Norwegian technical experts.
The experts reportedly visited Uzere to collect further samples for advanced isotope analysis, which is expected to provide additional evidence about the source and composition of the emissions.
However, community representatives maintained that the measures taken so far were insufficient to address the concerns and needs of affected households.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Dr Uyomatere Ajirioghene acknowledged HEOSL’s intervention and the relocation exercise but called for more comprehensive and sustained assistance.
He said residents appreciated the company’s response but believed further action was necessary to adequately address the situation.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Udogri I, before holding a town hall meeting with residents.
The meeting provided an opportunity for community members to present complaints, raise emerging concerns and discuss possible measures for addressing the incident.
Investigations into the suspected emissions remain ongoing, with residents and stakeholders awaiting the outcome of the technical assessments and further interventions to safeguard the community.
