Odau Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State have been deserted following fresh pipeline explosions in the area.
Eyewitnesses say the explosions have triggered a major security, environmental, and humanitarian crisis that has forced residents to abandon their homes.
The first incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026 along the Kolo Creek–Rumuekpe Crude Oil Pipeline operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC).
This was followed by another explosion on the Ogboinbiri–Obirikom Gas Pipeline, operated by Oando Plc, in the late hours of Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
In a statement on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Chairman of Abua/Odual LGA, Owolobi Michael, stated thay the blasts, suspected to be the handiwork of militants, have unleashed persistent gas leakage in the area.
He said this has raised fears of fire outbreaks and toxic exposure as residents of Odau Community have largely deserted their homes due to the dangerous situation.
Owolabi mentioned that several persons have been hospitalised after inhaling the leaking gas, while the impact has spread to neighbouring communities, including Obedum, Emirikpoko, and Anyu in Abua/Odual LGA, as well as Oruma and Ibelebiri in Bayelsa State.
The LG Chairman also expressed deep concern over the plight of the affected residents, urging the operating companies to act swiftly to contain the situation.
“The Council expresses its deepest sympathy 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 these incidents.”
“We call 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 corridors, and mitigate further environmental and public health risks.”
He also appealed to the two firms to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and relief materials to the displaced residents while work continues to restore normalcy.
He informed that the LG Council is working closely with security agencies and emergency responders to monitor the situation and coordinate necessary interventions.
He equally advised residents of the Local Government Area to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and adhere strictly to safety advisories.
The LG Council Chairman further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Government, and other relevant bodies to intervene urgently to prevent further loss of lives and environmental damage in .Rivers state .
Owolobi assured that the council remains committed to the protection and welfare of its people and will continue to engage all stakeholders to resolve the crisis.