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A militant attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has triggered a gas leak in the Odau community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcing residents to flee their homes.
The leak, which released thick smoke across the community and caused severe breathing difficulties, led to panic-driven displacement as residents escaped into neighbouring communities and surrounding bushes for safety.
The attack is believed to be part of a series of coordinated assaults on oil and gas facilities belonging to Shell and NAOC between June 15 and 18, 2026.
A community source, identified simply as Joseph, told Daily Independent that armed men first struck the pipeline on Monday night, sparking hours of gunfire and explosions in the area.
He said residents initially believed the situation had calmed after the fire continued into Tuesday, but fresh attacks resumed midweek.
“The shooting started around 9 p.m. on Monday. The shooting was so intense and lasted several hours that some people ran into the bushes for safety. The attackers later used dynamite to hit the pipeline belonging to Shell, which burst into flames.
“It is a gas pipeline, and the gas spread through the community, which made people run away from the community because people couldn’t breathe. We were suffocating.
“As I speak with you, people are starving. Some people are still in the bushes, while some others ran into neighbouring communities. No food to eat and we are starving,” he said.
He also revealed that the Community Development Committee CDC chairman and one other person were arrested after they led Agip personnel to the site.
“You know as a community leader, when he (the CDC chairman) 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 stated.
Joseph called on the company and relevant agencies to come to the aid of the community so they can go back 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,” he pleaded.
Recall that the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), an indigenous firm responsible for pipeline surveillance, had reported the attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Zone 8 of the area by armed persons on June 15, 2026.
Addressing stakeholders during the company’s monthly engagement meeting with host communities from Rivers, Imo and Abia states in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, disclosed that measures had been put in place to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said, “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.
“We wish to emphasise 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 called 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 stated.
