Aggrieved women of Odidi and Kantu federated communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have given Heritage Energy Limited, the operator in OML 42 and OML 30, a 48-hour ultimatum to shut down operations to avoid fire explosion, following the excruciating pains of residents in the affected oil host communities.

The directive was contained in a joint press release signed by stakeholders from both communities: Mrs Success Egebor (Chairlady of Odidi Rural Women), Mrs Ebi Larryson (representative for Odidi Community) and Vivian Eyiangho (Women Leader), Victoria Odumu Eyiangho (Secretary), and Elizabeth Osinwaye (Public Relations Officer) for Kantu Federated Community.

The women said the spill occurred since 19th February 2026, adding that after about five months, the authorities including Heritage, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have not made any efforts to clean up the affected areas.

The communities said the shutdown demand is driven by safety concerns arising from a protest in the area on Thursday June 26, 2026. 

According to them, “oil flames and spill contents” are spreading toward residential areas, raising fears of a major fire outbreak that could destroy homes and oil facilities.

“The ultimatum is for the safety of the oil facilities, homes, and communities as the situation could lead to a serious fire outbreak,” the statement reads.

The angry women insisted that operations should remain shut until a proper cleanup and repair exercise is carried out to prioritize host communities safety, warning that failure to comply will trigger further protests.

The communities also raised alarm over worsening health conditions. They said a woman from the area, Mrs Juliet Wanghan, has been hospitalized after inhaling fumes from the spill, adding that similar incident in the area in 2019 killed two children.

Residents decry the high level of pollution in the waterways, which they rely on for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathing, saying it is now unusable. 

“Since the spill on 19th February 2026, we pass through hell,” one resident said. The aggrieved women said the spill has “completely damaged” fishing nets and traps, leaving families without income, as leaders warned of “growing hunger among residents and victims of the spill.”

The communities further accused the operating firm of silence, saying: 

“Despite the suffering of the communities, no relief efforts have been made by companies operating in the area," they said.

Both communities called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Spill Regulatory agencies to prevail on the management of Heritage Energy Limited to comply with the host communities directives to avoid conflicts and to prioritize their safety.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the management of the oil firm for comments was abortive, as the company officials were not responding to calls.