Olu of Warri Rep Raises Alarm Over Ocean Surge Impact on Communities

The Olu of Warri’s representative and Liaison Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Colins Edema has expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of ocean surges on some Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State.

In a statement released through his Media and Publicity Unit, Mr. Edema revealed that Ogheye Eghoroke, Orere, Ogheye Zion, and Ogheye Ajadogo communities have been hit hard over the past two weeks, leaving homes, schools, and vital infrastructure in ruins.

The statement noted that residents are now forced into overcrowded living conditions, as the community’s sole water source has been swallowed by the encroaching sea.

Mr. Edema attributed the worsening coastal erosion to the long-term effects of oil exploration activities, particularly those carried out by Chevron Nigeria Limited, coupled with the natural forces of the Atlantic Ocean.

Warri Sentinel gathered that Ogheye, one of the affected communities, is home to Chevron’s offshore oil block, Okan Field.

The Ugbeni Primary School, along with numerous homes, including that of a community leader, have been swept away by the surging waters. The communities of Ogheye Zion and Ogheye Ajadogo are now completely submerged, while access to Orere has been entirely cut off.

Amid the disaster, Mr Edema made an urgent appeal to the Federal and Delta State governments, NGOs, and Chevron to take immediate action, offering assistance to the affected communities and addressing the environmental damage caused by years of environmental degradation.