The leadership of Kusimi Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has called on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, and the Warri South West Local Government Council to urgently intervene following a crude oil spill that occurred last week from the Trans-Forcados Pipeline (TFP), operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited. The incident, they said, has brought severe hardship to the community.
In a statement signed by the Executive Chairman of Kusimi Community, Mr. Emmanuel Kusimi, and the Secretary, Benjamin Oyakonghan, the leaders explained that the spill happened on Friday, February 20, 2026, and has continued for several days without any response from Heritage Energy.
According to the community leadership, the crude oil leak from the pipeline linkage has heavily impacted their environment. They expressed deep concern over the destruction of aquatic life and the ecosystem, which has disrupted fishing and farming—the primary sources of livelihood for the people.
The leaders recounted their ordeal, describing the large-scale pollution of their land and rivers. Preliminary findings, they said, indicate that the spill originated from the Trans-Forcados Pipeline facility, operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, around the Odidi 1 area in Kusimi Community.
They stressed that the toxic crude oil from the ruptured facility has brought economic activities in the affected communities to a standstill, leaving residents unable to sustain themselves.
The community leaders therefore appealed to the Delta State Government, particularly the Ministry of Oil and Gas, and other relevant authorities to compel Heritage Energy to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV). They insisted that the investigation should thoroughly determine the cause and extent of the spill and involve all the severely affected communities.
In addition, the leadership demanded the immediate provision of relief materials to ease the suffering caused by the spill. They also called for discussions on fair and adequate compensation for the damage done to their rivers, farmlands, and overall environment.
Furthermore, they urged agencies such as NOSTRA, DESOPADEC, NDDC, MENA, and other government intervention bodies to urgently step in and provide assistance to the affected communities.
