Protesters Disrupt Access to Forcados Terminal, Accuse Oil Firm of Failing to Address Months-Long Environmental Pollution
By Joseph Bienbo, Warri
Stakeholders of Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have renewed calls on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to compel Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) to clean up an alleged prolonged oil spill, compensate affected residents, and revoke the company’s operating licence.
The demands were made during a peaceful protest on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, led by the Secretary of Odidi Federated Community, Chief Mamamu Bene. The protesters temporarily blocked the access river leading to the Keremor loading points at the Forcados Terminal.
Carrying green leaves as symbols of peace, scores of women and youths from Odidi and neighbouring Kantu communities arrived at the company’s loading point in traditional kpekpe ferry boats and speedboats, vowing to sustain the protest until their demands are addressed.
The demonstrators alleged that the continued oil pollution has severely damaged the environment, destroyed aquatic life and disrupted the livelihoods of residents who depend on the creeks for fishing and other economic activities.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Chief Mamamu Bene accused Heritage Energy of ignoring repeated appeals from the host communities and failing to take meaningful action to stop the alleged spill.
He called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, Warri South-West Local Government and relevant petroleum regulatory agencies to urgently intervene, warning that the community would continue its peaceful protest until a comprehensive environmental clean-up is carried out.
Chief Bene further disclosed that although Heritage Energy had previously invited community representatives for discussions, the engagement reportedly ended without any resolution, claiming the company indicated it had no plans to meet the community’s demands.
Another stakeholder, Prince Nelson, described the environmental situation as alarming, alleging that crude oil had spread across large sections of the affected waterways.
He appealed to Heritage Energy to immediately stop the alleged leak, clean up the polluted environment and provide relief materials, medical support and other assistance to affected residents, particularly women and children.
Residents claimed the alleged oil spill began on February 19, 2026, with subsequent incidents occurring in the months that followed. They expressed disappointment that despite repeated peaceful protests and appeals, the relevant authorities have yet to take decisive action.
The protesters maintained that they would continue their peaceful demonstration until concrete measures are taken to stop the alleged spill, restore the environment and protect the livelihoods of affected communities.
As of the time of filing this report, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the protesters.
IBN News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
