The member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jonathan Ukodhiko, has called for urgent government intervention to contain a gas leak following the collapse of Well 14 in Uzere community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ukodhiko made the call during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, where he expressed concern over the environmental and public health implications of the incident.
The lawmaker, who visited the palace of the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Udogiri I, said he had discussed the development with the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and would work with relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated response.
He also pledged to collaborate with the senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, to draw the attention of the National Assembly, the Federal Government and relevant agencies to the incident.
Ukodhiko assured residents that he would pursue the matter to ensure the gas leak was contained, affected residents were protected and the environmental consequences addressed.
Highlighting Uzere’s contribution to the nation’s oil industry, the lawmaker said the Uzere West and Uzere East fields comprised 43 oil wells and produced about 53,000 barrels of crude oil daily, according to figures he cited.
He maintained that the community deserved urgent attention, given its contribution to the country’s oil production and the potential dangers posed by the gas leak.
Responding, the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, Udogiri I, commended Oborevwori for his concern and Ukodhiko for visiting the community to assess the situation.
The monarch described the incident as a serious threat, disclosing that residents living close to the affected areas had been relocated to safer locations.
He appealed to the government and relevant agencies to act swiftly, warning that the situation was deteriorating and required immediate intervention.
From the palace, Ukodhiko visited the country home of High Chief Iduh Amadhe before proceeding to the affected areas for an inspection.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, the lawmaker described the incident as a major environmental and public health concern, warning that its effects could extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the leak.
He assured residents that efforts were being made to address the situation, adding that remedial work would be undertaken when the floodwaters receded.
Ukodhiko commended the people of Uzere for remaining peaceful despite the challenges posed by the incident and urged them to remain calm while efforts to secure government intervention continued.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Friday Warri Ovoke, commended the governor and the federal lawmaker for their concern over the incident.
Ovoke disclosed that Oborevwori had earlier sent a team led by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas to assess the situation.
He called on Heritage Oil Company to take immediate steps to contain the leak, protect residents and prevent further environmental damage.
Similarly, the President-General of Uzere Kingdom, represented by the Chairman of the kingdom’s Oil and Gas Committee, Chief Columbus Oguname, expressed concern over the hardship caused by the incident.
Oguname raised the alarm over reports of increasing sickness and other health problems among residents since the gas leak occurred.
He appealed to Heritage Oil and relevant government authorities to intervene urgently and provide relief to affected residents.
The community leadership called for immediate containment of the leak, protection of public health and a comprehensive response to the environmental impact of the incident.
