The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Uzere community in Delta State to observe safety precautions amid ongoing investigations into suspected soil and groundwater contamination linked to gas seepage, warning of potential health, fire, and explosion risks.
The warning was issued on Tuesday in Asaba during a technical stakeholders’ meeting convened to address the reported gas seepage in Uzere Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area. NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by Dr. Godwin Tepikor, Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, stated that the situation required urgent attention due to its potential implications for resident safety .
Umar explained that the meeting was called to share available findings, coordinate institutional responses, and agree on practical measures to protect affected communities. She emphasised that decisions on protective measures would be guided by technical findings from relevant regulatory authorities, adding that a joint team comprising NEMA, environmental agencies, regulatory bodies, and the local government council would visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide safety guidance .
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The NEMA DG advised residents to avoid suspected contaminated locations, keep children and livestock away from affected areas, and rely on official information rather than rumours .
SEMA warns of fire and explosion hazards
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of the Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Alfred Ebreneyin, warned of potential health, fire, and explosion risks associated with the reported gas emissions. Represented by Mr. Daniel Okpor, Director of Administration and Finance, Ebreneyin described the situation as requiring urgent technical investigations and coordinated interventions to protect residents, livelihoods, and the environment .
He noted that potential gas emissions could pose significant threats to human health, public safety, and environmental sustainability, including possible fire outbreaks and explosions. He called for technical assessment, risk mitigation, and emergency preparedness, stressing that protecting residents must remain the collective responsibility of all stakeholders .
Multi-agency investigation underway
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by representatives of the affected community, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and security agencies, among others . The joint visit and ongoing sampling are expected to determine the extent of the contamination and inform decisions on whether further protective measures, including possible evacuation, may be necessary.