By Reen Chidi
The member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Pastor Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has called for urgent Federal Government intervention to contain a gas leak in Uzere community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, following the collapse of Well 14.
Ukodhiko made the call on Thursday October 29 2026 during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, where he expressed concern over the potential threats posed by the incident to human lives, public health and the environment.
The lawmaker assured residents that he would engage relevant government authorities and regulatory agencies to ensure a coordinated and timely response to the situation.
He commenced the visit at the palace of the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Udogiri I, where he briefed the traditional ruler on the purpose of his visit and the need for urgent action to address the gas leak.
Ukodhiko disclosed that his visit followed discussions with Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the incident and its implications for the safety and welfare of residents.
He also pledged to collaborate with the senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, to bring the matter before the National Assembly and seek the intervention of the Federal Government and relevant agencies.
According to him, efforts would be sustained to ensure that the leak is contained, affected residents are protected and the environmental consequences are adequately addressed.
Highlighting Uzere’s contribution to Nigeria’s petroleum industry, Ukodhiko noted that the community remained a significant oil-producing area. He cited figures indicating that the Uzere West and Uzere East fields comprise 43 oil wells and produce approximately 53,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
In his response, the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, Udogiri I, expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his concern and commended Ukodhiko for personally visiting the community to assess the situation.
The monarch described the gas leak as a serious threat, revealing that residents living close to the affected locations had been moved to safer areas.
He appealed to the government and relevant agencies to take immediate action, warning that the situation was deteriorating and required urgent intervention to prevent further harm.
From the palace, Ukodhiko proceeded to the country home of High Chief Iduh Amadhe before visiting the affected locations to inspect the situation firsthand.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, the lawmaker described the incident as a major environmental and public health concern, warning that its effects could extend beyond the immediate area.
He assured the community that efforts were being made to address the problem, adding that remedial operations would be carried out when the floodwaters receded.
Ukodhiko also commended the people of Uzere for maintaining peace despite the challenges and urged them to remain calm while engagements with the relevant authorities continued.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Friday Warri Ovoke, commended the governor and the federal lawmaker for their concern and visits to the affected community.
Ovoke disclosed that Governor Oborevwori had earlier dispatched a team led by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas to assess the incident and determine the necessary response.
He called on Heritage Oil Company to take immediate and effective measures 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 the incident had brought upon the community.
Oguname raised concerns over reports of increasing cases of sickness and other health problems among residents since the gas leak occurred. He appealed to Heritage Oil and the relevant government authorities to intervene urgently and provide relief for affected residents.
Community leaders stressed the need for immediate containment measures, effective protection of public health and a comprehensive response to the environmental impact of the incident.
They urged the operating company and relevant authorities to prioritise the safety of residents and ensure that appropriate remedial measures are implemented to address the unfolding situation in Uzere.
