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By Mercy Neme
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Uzere community in Delta to observe safety precautions amid investigations into suspected soil and groundwater contamination linked to gas seepage.
The Director-General (D-G) of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made the call on Tuesday in Asaba at a technical stakeholders’ meeting on the reported gas seepage in Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area.
Umar represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting in the agency, Dr Godwin Tepikor, said the situation required urgent attention because of its potential implications for the safety of residents
She said the meeting was conveyed to share available findings, coordinate institutional responses and agree on practical measures to protect affected communities.
She emphasised that the safety of residents remained a priority, adding that decisions on appropriate protective measures would be guided by technical findings from relevant regulatory authorities.
She commended the leadership of the affected community for its cooperation and acknowledged the Delta Government’s commitment to addressing the situation.
The NEMA director-general also appreciated the contributions of environmental agencies and other stakeholders involved in investigating the reported contamination.
She disclosed that NEMA was adopting a similar coordinated response to a related incident in another community, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
Umar announced that a joint team comprising NEMA, environmental agencies, regulatory bodies and the local government council would visit the affected community.
She said the visit would enable stakeholders to assess the situation, engage residents and provide appropriate safety guidance.
She urged residents to avoid suspected contaminated locations and refrain from activities that could expose them to potentially hazardous substances.
The NEMA D-G also advised residents to keep children and livestock away from affected areas and rely on official information rather than rumours.
She said NEMA remained committed to supporting the state government and relevant institutions in coordinating interventions and mobilising federal assistance where necessary.
She also expressed hope that the meeting would establish a common understanding of the situation, clarify institutional responsibilities and strengthen efforts to protect residents.
Also speaking, the Director of the Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Alfred Ebreneyin, warned of potential health, fire and explosion risks associated with reported gas emissions in the affected communities.
Ebreneyin who was represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Mr Daniel Okpor, called for urgent technical investigations and coordinated interventions to protect residents, livelihoods and the environment.
He described the situation as requiring urgent attention, professional assessment and coordinated action among relevant government institutions and other stakeholders.
The SEMA director noted that potential gas emissions could pose significant threats to human health, public safety and environmental sustainability, including possible fire outbreaks and explosions.
According to him, the meeting is organised to examine available information, obtain technical input and develop practical measures to address the situation.
He identified technical assessment, risk mitigation, environmental and health implications, institutional responsibilities and emergency preparedness as key areas requiring attention.
Ebreneyin stressed that protecting residents of the affected communities must remain the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
He urged participants to avoid misinformation and unnecessary tension, assuring residents that their concerns would be treated seriously and investigated objectively.
He emphasised that decisions on appropriate interventions must be guided by credible technical findings and established safety standards.
Ebreneyin also urged community leaders and residents to cooperate with relevant authorities, provide useful information and promptly report unusual developments.
He also called for sustained collaboration and support for technical experts to ensure comprehensive investigations and effective solutions.
He noted that the success of the engagement would be measured by concrete decisions, clearly defined responsibilities and actionable recommendations.
Ebreneyin reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with relevant institutions and affected communities to protect lives, preserve the environment and safeguard livelihoods.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders’ meeting was attended by representatives of the affected community, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
Others were the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and security agencies among others.(NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker
English (US) ·