The oil-rich community of Umuedeokwara Odagwa in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, has raised serious concerns over the alleged diversion of its oil wells to Owoza Community in neighboring Abia State, a move they claim has cost Rivers State a staggering ₦10 billion daily.
Accusations of Resource Misallocation
Chief Goodness Nwogu, a Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF), accused the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) of erroneously reallocating several oil wells from Umuedeokwara to Owoza. Speaking at the Imo River forest boundary between the two states, Nwogu described the situation as a grave injustice.
“We have 15 oil wells, including Well 60, operational since 1961. Yet, NPDC claims we only have eight, with just four functioning. This is false. Several of our wells have been diverted to Owoza, stripping us of our rightful resources,” Nwogu stated.
He emphasized the financial toll this diversion has taken on Rivers State, estimating a loss of at least ₦10 billion daily based on 4,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil production.
Neglect and Infrastructure Woes
Beyond the oil well controversy, the community laments a lack of basic infrastructure. Despite being an oil-producing area, Umuedeokwara suffers from inadequate amenities, including the absence of hospitals, electricity, and employment opportunities.
“Everything meant for our community is now routed through Abia State. This is unacceptable and risks sparking conflict between Umuedeokwara and Owoza,” Nwogu warned.
Environmental Devastation and Compensation Demands
Adding to the community’s grievances is an alleged oil spill from HEIRS Oil & Gas operations since December 2024. Ordu James, a member of the Community Development Board (CDB), blamed equipment failure for the spill, which he claims has devastated local mangroves and aquatic life.
“The spill has destroyed vast areas of our vegetation. Though a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) was conducted, HEIRS covertly dug over 16 pits to divert spilled crude. We demand ₦50 billion in compensation for land remediation and environmental restoration,” James declared.
Tensions Rise Amid Alleged Favoritism
The community also accused NPDC of favoring Abia State, citing the diversion of Christmas palliatives intended for Umuedeokwara last December.
Chief Nwogu has called on the Rivers State Government to intervene urgently, demanding the return of the diverted oil wells.
“We have 15 functional oil wells, two manifolds, a booster plant, a flow station, and a jetty. Yet, NPDC insists some of these belong to Abia State. Rivers State must reclaim its resources,” he insisted.
Ultimatum Issued to NPDC
In a bold move, Nwogu issued a two-week ultimatum to NPDC to reverse the alleged diversion.
“If NPDC fails to return the diverted oil wells within two weeks, we will shut down the flow station and the two manifolds,” he threatened.
Efforts to reach NPDC for comments were unsuccessful, as multiple calls went unanswered.
As tensions escalate, the Umuedeokwara community awaits decisive action to reclaim its resources and secure justice in a conflict tha
t threatens to deepen regional divides.
