Apprehension has gripped residents of Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State following reported gas emissions from underground in parts of the oil-producing community.

The development has raised safety concerns among residents, with uncontrolled emissions reportedly noticed at several locations, particularly around London Base in Uweye Quarter.

Residents said the intensity of the emissions had increased and appeared to be spreading since they were first observed. Bubbling has reportedly been noticed in water around farmlands and along roadsides, with the substance said to be flammable when tested on dry ground.

The cause of the emissions has not been established. Residents have speculated that the development could be linked to an underground gas build-up, while others have raised the possibility of another source.

A former President-General of Uzere, Chief Emmanuel Ekebe, said the nearest pipelines were about 300 to 400 metres from the affected area but were not currently operational.

He said the situation had created tension in the community, with some residents and landlords increasingly concerned about their safety.

The incident comes barely two months after an oil well within Oil Mining Lease 30 in the community reportedly erupted, further heightening concerns over oil and gas-related hazards in the area.

The Vice-President of Uzere community, Abednego Abugo, described the latest development as unusual and called for urgent intervention by the government and the oil company operating in the area.

“Our lives are not safe,” he said.

Residents are seeking an immediate technical investigation to determine the source and composition of the emissions and measures to prevent a possible fire or other environmental disaster.