Vandals allegedly hit Trans-Niger pipeline, as residents desert community
By Barth Ndubuwah
Residents of the Odau community in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State have reportedly deserted their homes after smoke and gas from a leakage on the Trans Niger Pipeline enveloped the area.
The facility, operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), was allegedly targeted by suspected vandals.
The leak was triggered by an overnight attack by hoodlums on Shell and NAOC facilities in the area, which resulted in a massive fire outbreak and a gas leak that quickly spread through the community.
An eyewitness from the affected community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the attacks started around 9:00 PM on Monday when sporadic gunshots were heard near the pipeline.
“The shooting started around 9:00 PM on Monday when some people had not even eaten dinner. The gunfire was so intense and lasted for several hours that many residents fled into the bushes for safety. The attackers later used dynamite to blast the Shell pipeline, which burst into flames,” he said.
The eyewitness further narrated that the fire burned throughout Tuesday.
“We thought the attackers had left. But on Wednesday night around 9:00 PM, they resumed shooting. Security agencies were deployed to the scene, but the shootout lasted until 4:00 AM on Thursday, when the attackers allegedly used dynamite to hit the Agip pipeline. Because it is a gas pipeline, the emissions spread through the community. People fled because they couldn’t breathe; we were suffocating. As I speak with you, people are starving. Some are still hiding in the bushes, while others ran to neighboring communities. There is no food to eat,” he lamented.
He called on the operating companies and relevant government agencies to come to the aid of the community so residents could safely return to their homes.
“We are a farming and fishing community. We are calling on the relevant agencies and the company to assist us so that we can go back home,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the indigenous pipeline surveillance firm tasked with protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline, expressed regret over the incident.
The firm stated that the matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities and that security operatives are currently trailing the suspects.
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, disclosed during a monthly meeting in Port Harcourt with host communities from Rivers, Imo, and Abia states that active steps are being taken to apprehend the attackers.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Mezeh appealed to all stakeholders, community leaders, youths, contractors, surveillance personnel, and security agencies to remain vigilant and continue working together to protect 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,” he concluded.