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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and the chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Owolobi Michael Ofori, have condemned the multiple attacks on gas pipelines in the community.
The Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office, Engr Akponime Omojewvhe, expressed dismay at the June 2026 stakeholders’ engagement organised by PINL for host communities across Abia, Imo and Rivers states, held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He urged communities to report suspicious activity early, noting that timely information remains crucial to protecting the corridor.
Earlier, the General Manager of PINL’s Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, urged contractors to increase the presence of surveillance guards at all times along the corridor to deter the return of vandals.
He said: “Distinguished stakeholders, we are deeply concerned and disturbed by the recent attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) by armed individuals precisely on 15 June 2026 around the Odau axis, Zone 8 in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“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 emphasised that attacks on critical national infrastructure have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate damage caused.
He stressed, “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.
“PINL, therefore, calls on all stakeholders, community leaders, youths, contractors, surveillance personnel and security agencies to remain vigilant and continue to work together in protecting these vital national assets.
“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,” Mezeh added.
Meanwhile, the council chairman, Ofori, has appealed for a swift response to contain the pipeline explosion and gas leakage, which have negatively impacted the ecosystem.
In a statement credited to the chairman, he said he received with “profound concern and grave apprehension” reports of a crude oil pipeline explosion along the Koko Creek Rumuepke pipeline, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, as well as a gas pipeline explosion on the Ogboinbiri–Obrikom Gas pipeline, operated by Oando Plc, which occurred in the late hours of Wednesday within Odua community.
“These unfortunate incidents, which are strongly suspected to have been perpetrated by militant elements, have created a serious security, environmental and humanitarian emergency within the affected areas.”
The council boss said of particular concern is the gas pipeline explosion, noting that the devastating effect has compelled residents to flee their homes.
He said: “Odua community has been largely deserted as a result of the persistent gas leakage and associated hazards. Several residents have reportedly been admitted to hospitals following exposure to the leaking gas, while the impact of the incident has extended beyond Odua to neighbouring communities, including Obedum, Emirikpoko and Anyu in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, as well as Oruma and Ibelebiri communities in Bayelsa State, thereby worsening the humanitarian situation.
“The council expresses its deepest sympathies to all affected persons and communities and remains gravely concerned about the safety, health and welfare of residents whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by this incident.
“Accordingly, the council urgently calls on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Oando Plc to immediately deploy all necessary technical and emergency response resources to contain the fires, halt the gas leakage, secure the affected pipeline corridor and mitigate further environmental and public health risks.”
The council chairman further appealed to both companies to provide prompt humanitarian assistance and relief materials to affected residents and communities pending the full restoration of normalcy.
He added: “The Abua/Odual Local Government Council, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and emergency response stakeholders, is actively monitoring the situation and taking all lawful and necessary measures within its capacity to safeguard lives and maintain public order and coordinate emergency interventions.”
The council also urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders and strictly adhere to all safety advisories issued by relevant authorities.
He appealed: “Furthermore, the council calls on all relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Government and other relevant agencies, to urgently intervene in order to avert further loss of lives, environmental degradation and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
“The Abua/Odual Local Government Council remains committed to protecting the lives and welfare of its people and will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift resolution of these unfortunate situations.”
