Leaders and stakeholders of Odidi Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, embarked on a peaceful protest over a devastating oil spill that has lasted for more than seven months, citing severe economic, environmental and humanitarian effects on residents.

The protesters from the affected community, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, demanded for an urgent cleanup, payment of compensation, and the revocation of Heritage Energy’s License to operate

The community, speaking through its Chairman, Amb. Truston Gbenekama, accused Heritage Energy, government and regulatory agencies of negligence and demanded immediate government intervention.

"For over seven months, our people have been drinking contaminated water, our farmlands and fishing waters have been destroyed, and we have lost one person to this spill. Enough is enough," Gbenekama said during the protest.

The leaders said the spill has wiped out fishing and farming, the main sources of income for Odidi residents. They also raised concerns about health risks, polluted drinking water, and damage to the ecosystem in the riverine community.

According to the community, one person has died as a direct result of the prolonged spill, while several others are battling illnesses linked to exposure to crude oil and gas emissions.

Addressing journalists and government officials during the protest, Amb. Gbenekama listed three major demands, immediate cleanup of all impacted areas by Heritage Energy and relevant agencies, adequate compensation for victims, families, and the community for economic losses and damages, Revocation of Heritage Energy’s operating license in Odidi field over alleged failure to contain the spill and respond responsibly

"We are calling on the Federal Government, NUPRC, NOSDRA and all relevant authorities to act now. Heritage Energy has failed in its duty of care. Their license should be revoked," he stated.

The stakeholders warned that if their demands are not met within a reasonable time, the community will be forced to take further steps to protect its people and environment.

They appealed to the Delta State Government, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to conduct an independent assessment and compel the operator to act.

Stakeholders who spoke during the protest described the seven-month spill as "one of the most neglected environmental disasters in the Niger Delta" and called for accountability.

However, as of press time efforts to reach out to Heritage Energy for comments proved abortive.