The Handeskia Oil and Gas Limited gas plant, which was operating at No. 12 Malekwe Street Boji, Owa in the state's Ika North East Local Government area, has been shut down by the Delta State government.
Godspower Asiuwhu, the state's commissioner for the environment, said that the gas plant's operations posed a risk to the local populace, especially the nearby Mary Mount College students.
The commissioner, who was joined by Dr. Minnie Oseji, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, and Victor Ebonka, the Chairman of the Ika North-East Local Government, warned that the corporation would face harsher punishments if the seal was broken.
Asiuwhu also issued a warning to the managers and employees of the troubled gas facility, Handeskia Oil and Gas Limited, to stop harming locals.
He bemoaned the disorderly behaviour of the gas company's personnel and claimed that their activities created environmental and health risks to nearby Mary Mount College, Agbor, pupils. He further stated that any attempt by the business to breach the seal would not be tolerated by the state government.
He praised the council chairman for his efforts and stated that a task force would be established to keep an eye on the gas company's operations once it had been sealed off to make sure it did not resume operations.
Speaking, Ebonka regretted that upon the sealing off of the gas company twice, they still went to unseal the premises.