Unity Governor Orders GPOC to Tighten Safety After Woman Falls into Oil Pond

By Awan Achiek

The Governor of Unity State Dr. Joseph Manytuil, has ordered the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) to enhance safety and environmental protection measures. This directive follows an incident where a woman fell into an unprotected, hazardous oil pond within the Unity Oil Field.

The woman, who has not been identified, was discovered among garbage and hazardous oil waste at the site, according to Unity State’s Information Minister, Nyakenya Yohannes.

The incident took place at an oil-waste disposal site in the state, which authorities confirmed is used for storing contaminated oil waste and other dangerous materials.

Authorities suspect the woman may be experiencing mental health challenges, though this has not been independently verified.

Governor Manytuil, accompanied by GPOC field management, visited the scene on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after images of the incident circulated widely on social media.

The governor also visited the affected woman at Bentiu State Hospital, where he offered sympathy to her family following her reported chemical exposure.

During his visit, Manytuil instructed GPOC to improve environmental protection and prioritize the safety and well-being of communities residing near oil-producing areas.

He stressed the importance of oil operators implementing measures to prevent communities from being exposed to hazardous substances and unsafe facilities.

This incident has raised significant concerns among residents and authorities regarding safety standards in Unity State’s oil-producing regions.

On Monday, September 14, the Unity State government, through the Ministry of Information and Communication, condemned the incident and urged relevant regulatory authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into its circumstances.

The state government also called for accountability and justice for the affected woman.

The incident has reignited demands for stricter oversight of oil operations, robust environmental safeguards, and enhanced protection for communities living near oil facilities in Unity State.