A gas leak from the Trans-Niger pipeline have forced the people of Odu community in Abua/Odual local government area of Rivers State to flee their homes, as a result of the gas suffocating smell.
The incident is reportedly caused by series of attacks by suspected militants on oil facilities belonging to Shell and Nigeria Agip Oil company (NAOC) between Monday, June 15 and Thursday, June 18, 2026. The attacks is said to have triggered a fire outbreak and subsequent gas leak that forced residents to abandon the community.
In an interview with our correspondent, a resident, who simply identified himself as Joseph, disclosed that the violence began on Monday night with heavy gunshots around the pipeline.
“The shooting started around 9 p.m. on Monday while some people were still having dinner. It was intense and lasted for hours, forcing many to flee into the bushes for safety. The attackers later used dynamite on a Shell pipeline, which burst into flames,” he said.
According to him, the fire continued through Tuesday. However, the attackers reportedly returned on Wednesday night.
“We thought they had left, but they resumed shooting around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Security agencies were deployed, but the gunfire continued until about 4 a.m. on Thursday when they used dynamite on the Agip pipeline.
“It is a gas pipeline, and the leakage spread across the community, making it difficult to breathe. People started running for their lives due to suffocation,” Joseph added.
He noted that many residents are now displaced, with some taking refuge in nearby communities while others remain in the bush without access to food.
“As we speak, people are starving. There is no food, and many are still hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Joseph also alleged that the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) and another individual were arrested after accompanying NAOC officials to inspect the damaged site.
“As a community leader, he led Agip personnel to the site. While answering questions, they handcuffed him and another person, saying they needed further explanation at their office,” he claimed.
He appealed to the government and relevant agencies to urgently intervene and restore normalcy.
“We are a farming and fishing community. We need help to return to our homes and livelihoods,” he said.
