‎By Rosemary Ogbonna

‎Environmental rights advocate, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has urged the Federal Government, Delta State Government and relevant agencies to declare an environmental emergency following a reported oil spill affecting communities in Warri South-West and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State.

‎In a statement on Wednesday, Mulade described the incident as an environmental disaster with potential lasting ecological, economic and public health consequences if urgent action is not taken.

‎He linked the spill to facilities operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited across Oil Mining Leases, OMLs, 4, 26, 34, 38, 41 and 42, with crude transported through the 18-inch Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP).

‎Mulade alleged that the pipeline, constructed in the early 1980s, has exceeded its operational lifespan and continues to pose significant environmental risks.

‎According to him, rivers, creeks, mangrove forests and farmlands that sustain thousands of residents have been contaminated.

‎He said fishermen have abandoned their fishing grounds while farmers face crop destruction.

‎“This is not merely another oil spill; it is an assault on the environment, on public health, and on the survival of communities whose lives depend entirely on the natural ecosystem. Every hour of delay compounds the damage,” he said.

‎The activist called on Heritage Energy to immediately contain the spill, deploy emergency response teams, begin remediation and engage affected communities transparently.

‎He also demanded an independent Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), involving regulatory agencies, host communities, environmental experts and civil society to determine the cause, extent and impact of the incident.

‎Mulade urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Federal Ministry of Environment to investigate the spill and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

‎“Corporate responsibility cannot end with oil production. Companies operating in the Niger Delta must demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of human lives,” he stated.

‎He further called for immediate humanitarian relief, medical support, environmental restoration and adequate compensation for affected residents.

‎As of press time, Heritage Energy, NOSDRA and NUPRC had not issued public responses to the allegations.