Residents of Uzere, an oil-producing community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, have raised the alarm over bubbling gas emissions from the ground and crude oil pollution affecting farmlands and streams, calling for urgent government intervention and an investigation into the reported environmental hazards.
Key Highlights
- Residents report bubbling water and gas emissions across parts of Uzere.
- Videos circulating on social media show bubbling floodwater and attempts to ignite gas seeping from the ground.
- Farmers and residents say crude oil pollution has affected farmlands, streams and fishing ponds.
- Community members have called for urgent intervention by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), government authorities and the operating oil company.
- Residents fear possible fires, explosions, health risks and further environmental damage.
Uzere Residents Raise Alarm Over Bubbling Gas Emissions
Videos shared on Facebook in recent days have drawn attention to the reported gas emissions in Uzere, with footage showing murky water bubbling across parts of the community and residents appealing for help.
In one video, a man standing beside bubbling water claims that gas is escaping from the ground at several locations. Another clip shows a person using a lighter to ignite gas seeping near a building wall, producing a small flame.
The footage has heightened concerns about the potential danger to residents, particularly those living near the affected areas.
Our reporter who visited the community described the situation as alarming, claiming that parts of Uzere were flooded and affected by bubbling gas. The report also referred to ongoing drilling activities and existing oil wells in the area.
A content creator, Rawman, who reportedly visited Uzere on October 1, documented what he described as a large eroded hole in the ground and bubbling water in the surrounding area.
A Lecturer Igbuku A. Ufuoma, in a social media post, attributed the reported emissions to possible failures in oil and gas infrastructure, including an alleged wellhead blowout at Well 14 in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30 and subsurface pipeline leaks.
The claims have not been independently verified. An official technical assessment would be needed to establish the source of the gas emissions and determine whether any oil and gas infrastructure failure occurred.
Crude Oil Pollution Threatens Farmlands and Streams
Alongside concerns over gas emissions, residents have shared images of discoloured water and reportedly oil-affected farmland in parts of Uzere.
A social media post dated September 30 showed murky brown floodwater covering grassland and residential compounds, with bubbles visible on the water’s surface. The post identified one of the locations as the compound of a resident, Mr Jonah Idolos, in Loto Base.
Farmers have reportedly complained that cassava farms and fishing ponds have been affected, while some residents have expressed concern about the suitability of nearby water sources for domestic use.
The reported pollution has raised concerns about possible damage to crops, aquatic life and the livelihoods of residents who depend on farming and fishing.
However, the extent of the contamination and its impact on water quality, farmland and public health would need to be established through environmental sampling and an official assessment.
Social Media Reactions Reflect Fear and Frustration
The videos have generated reactions from social media users, with comments expressing concern about the risk of fire, anger over environmental degradation and frustration with the response to the community’s plight.
Some users questioned why anyone would deliberately ignite gas escaping from the ground, while others appealed for divine intervention and called on authorities to protect residents.
Other commenters accused oil industry operators and government authorities of neglecting communities affected by environmental hazards.
In a video captioned Save Uzere, one resident appealed for urgent action, saying the community lived under constant risk and that the issue was about protecting lives rather than financial gain.
Prince Nath also called on Isoko kingdoms, traditional rulers, government representatives and Isoko people in the diaspora to unite in seeking a solution to the reported crisis.
Another video appealed to the Delta State Government, the Federal Government and Heritage Energy to provide urgent assistance, warning of the potential danger posed by the reported gas emissions.
The comments reflect growing public concern, although the allegations against any company or agency require independent investigation.
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Gas Emissions Raise Safety and Environmental Concerns
The reported bubbling gas and possible crude oil contamination present several issues that require urgent technical attention.
Fire and explosion risks: If the escaping gas is flammable, an ignition source could trigger a fire or explosion. Residents should not attempt to ignite the gas or test it with matches, lighters or other open flames.
Potential health hazards: Depending on the gas composition and concentration, exposure could pose health risks. Methane can displace oxygen in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, while other gases associated with oil and gas operations may be toxic.
Environmental damage: Oil contamination can damage soil, vegetation and aquatic ecosystems. Laboratory testing would be necessary to determine the nature and extent of any contamination in affected streams and farmlands.
Residents should keep away from bubbling areas, avoid smoking or operating equipment that could create sparks nearby, and report suspected leaks to the appropriate emergency and environmental authorities. Anyone who suspects an immediate gas leak should move away from the area and avoid approaching it to investigate.
Residents Demand Urgent Government Intervention
Community members have called for an immediate visit by NOSDRA, an investigation by relevant environmental and petroleum regulators, emergency assistance for affected households and a thorough assessment of the reported pollution.
They have also demanded medical assessments where necessary, access to safe water, and the cleanup and remediation of any confirmed contaminated sites.
Prince Nath, in one of the appeals, said the community should not continue to endure environmental hazards despite its long history of oil production.
The demands have renewed concerns about environmental protection, emergency preparedness and the responsibility of relevant authorities and oil industry operators to respond promptly to reported hazards in oil-producing communities.
As of press time, no official statement from the operating company had been included in the available report. The positions of Heritage Energy, NOSDRA, the Delta State Government and other relevant authorities were also unavailable.
The Trumpet will seek responses from the relevant agencies and the operating company and update this report when further information becomes available. For updates on this story, follow us on X.
