Residents of Idheze community in Delta State have raised the alarm over incessant oil spillage in the area.

Speaking to newsmen recently, the Chairman of the community, Mr. Feme Samson, asked the state government to hold Eni-Naoc (Agip) Oil Exploration Company responsible for the cleanup of oil residue in their community following the spillage that occurred on June 13, 2016.

Samson said that the failure of the oil exploration company to send environmental expatriates to examine the extent of damage on land has caused fear of the spread of disease in the area.

“Failure to clean up the oil residue in the community is presently posing serious danger to the health of the people,” he said.

According to him, “we are not surprised at the response we are getting. We have sent letters to the company. Our hope is that the government will put efforts into the issue in order to foster quick response.”

He called on the youths to sheath their swords and not to take laws into their hands as violence would not help them in the matter.

“It is not encouraging to take laws into our hands. We will address this issue with all instruments within the confine of the law,” he said.

One of the residents of the area, Mr. Rueben Emeleze while recounting the incident that took place on that fateful day, said, stated that the company was yet to address or show any concern so far on the issue.

“It was like a bomb explosion that night. We thought the world was coming to an end. It was highly unexpected and surprising. But most surprising was the fact that AGIP even when called didn’t come on time to salvage the situation. It resulted in a fire outbreak. We all fled our homes,” he said.

Emeleze appealed to appropriate authorities to look into the matter and saved the community.