Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered immediate medical intervention for residents affected by the oil spill along the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, as the number of affected communities has risen from an initial 86 to 216.
Oborevwori gave the directive on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during an inspection visit to Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where he directed the state Commissioner for Health to deploy medical teams to the affected communities.
The PUNCH reported on October 6, 2026, that the teams would assess residents and determine the health implications of prolonged exposure to the pollution.
The governor said the response must go beyond the distribution of relief materials, stressing that residents needed proper medical examinations because of the possible health consequences of the pollution.
Oborevwori also directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) to deploy medical teams and provide relief materials to the affected communities.
According to a report by Vanguard on October 6, 2026, the governor said HEOSL had assured the state government that its technical operations would be concluded and the cleanup completed before the end of October.
He warned that commitments made by the company must be honoured and directed the state Commissioners for Oil and Gas and Environment to monitor compliance.
The spill has also disrupted fishing, a major source of livelihood for residents in the affected communities. Vanguard reported on October 6 that fish scarcity and rising prices had been recorded as the pollution affected fishing activities.
Oborevwori said the situation was not only about compensation but also about restoring the environment, protecting residents and safeguarding their livelihoods.
As part of the intervention, the governor approved the construction of a landing jetty for Odidi community and directed the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area to build a modern health centre for the community.
HEOSL General Manager, Operations Integrity, Nelson Wilbert, said the company was working with the Delta State Government, host communities, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders to resolve the crisis.
Vanguard reported that Wilbert said the company’s immediate priority was to complete ongoing technical operations, including installation, stopping the spill and pressure testing, before environmental assessment, cleanup and compensation.
However, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Doubra Okotete, alleged on October 6 that crude oil was still being pumped through leaking sections of the pipeline.
Okotete called for urgent action to halt the pollution, comprehensive remediation and compensation, as well as increased medical support for affected residents, particularly those experiencing respiratory problems.
The PUNCH and Vanguard reports published on October 6, 2026, both confirmed the increase in the number of affected communities from 86 to 216.
