Gas leak, pipeline attacks force Rivers community residents to flee

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Residents of Odau community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State have fled their homes following a gas leak from the Trans Niger Pipeline network after suspected vandals allegedly attacked oil and gas facilities operated by Oando Plc, and Renaissance Africa Energy in the area.

The incident, which residents said occurred after multiple attacks on pipeline infrastructure between June 15 and June 18, triggered panic across the farming and fishing community, forcing many residents to seek refuge in neighbouring communities and surrounding forests.

A community source, identified simply as Joseph, said the attacks began last Monday night when armed men reportedly stormed the area and opened fire around critical pipeline infrastructure.

“The shooting started around 9pm on Monday when some persons were yet to eat their dinner. The shooting was so intense and lasted several hours that some persons ran into the bushes for safety. The attackers later used dynamite to hit the pipeline belonging to Shell, now Renaissance, which burst into flames,” he said.

According to him, the fire reportedly raged throughout Tuesday before residents believed the attackers had left the area.

However, Joseph said the assailants returned on Wednesday night and resumed attacks on another pipeline facility.

“We thought the attackers had left. But on Wednesday night around 9pm again, they resumed shooting. Security agencies were sent in but the shooting lasted until 4.00am on Thursday when they also used dynamite to hit the Agip, now Oando pipeline.

“It is a gas pipeline and the gas spread through the community that made people run away from the community because people couldn’t breathe. We were suffocating,” he stated.

The community source lamented the humanitarian impact of the incident, saying many residents remain displaced and without access to food and other necessities.

“As I speak with you, people are starving. Some persons are still in the bushes, while some others ran into neighbouring communities. No food to eat and we are starving,” he said.

Joseph also alleged that the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, CDC, and another resident were arrested after accompanying Oando officials to inspect the affected facility.

“You know as a community leader, when he led the Agip personnel to the site, he was asked some questions, which he tried to answer, so they handcuffed him and one other person and said they should get to their office to offer more explanation,” he claimed.

The residents have appealed to the oil companies, government authorities and relevant emergency agencies to intervene urgently to enable displaced families return to their homes.

“We are a farming and fishing community. We are calling on the relevant agencies and the company to come to our aid so that we can go back to our community,” Joseph pleaded.

The latest incident comes days after Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, confirmed an attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, TNP, in Zone 8 on June 15, 2026.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting involving host communities from Rivers, Imo and Abia states in Port Harcourt, PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, described the attack as unfortunate and warned of its implications for the environment, local livelihoods and national energy security.

“This unfortunate incident has been promptly escalated to the relevant security authorities for urgent intervention and necessary action. We are confident that the security agencies will take appropriate measures to apprehend those responsible and prevent any recurrence,” Mezeh said.

He added: “We wish to emphasize that attacks on critical national infrastructure have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate damage caused. Such acts pose serious environmental risks, including pollution and ecosystem degradation, while also threatening the livelihoods of host communities whose economic activities depend on a safe and healthy environment.”

Mezeh urged community leaders, youths, contractors, surveillance personnel and security agencies to work together to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure.

“The security of our pipelines is a collective responsibility, and their protection is essential for sustainable development, environmental preservation, and the economic well-being of our communities and the nation at large,” he stated.