After over five months of pollution and peaceful protest by inhabitants of Odidi and Ikantu Federated Communities in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State over the rampant oil spill in the area from Infrastructures alleged to belong to Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), the Federal Government and operators of OML 42 have stepped in to resolve the lingering crisis.

Recall that the sustained demonstrations had led to the shutdown of critical oil production facilities in OML 30 and OML 42 by the protesters.

Federal government officials and OML 42 operators appealed for an end to the protests to allow for comprehensive cleanup operations and repairs, during a visit to the spill site on Friday, July 10, 2026.

The delegation further assured protesters of the Federal Government's commitment, alongside Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), to resolve the prolonged oil spill that has devastated communities within OML 30.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the Secretary of the Odidi Federated Community, Amb. Bene Mamamu, announced that the communities had agreed to suspend the protest in response to the prompt intervention by the Federal Government and OML 42 operators.

He however warned that the suspension was only temporary, stressing that the communities would resume protests if the Federal Government and operators of OML 30 failed to fulfill the commitments and directives agreed upon during the engagement.

Other community leaders who addressed the gathering echoed Mamamu's position, expressing disappointment over what they described as five months of neglect. 

They lamented the environmental degradation, economic hardship, and health challenges suffered by residents, accusing the relevant authorities and oil operators of abandoning victims despite the prolonged impact of the spill.

The communities maintained that while they have embraced dialogue in the interest of peace, they remain resolute in their demand for a thorough cleanup, environmental remediation, and adequate compensation for those affected by the protracted oil spill.

It is also expected that compensation will be made to inhabitants of the affected communities whose livelihoods have been severely impacted over the long period of the spill that was left unattended to, sparking outrage and mass action.