From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt
Residents of Odau Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have fled their homes, following pipeline gas explosion that has occurred in the area.
It was gathered that the persistent gas leakage and its attendant hazards have caused many residents to be admitted to the hospitals.
The impact of the gas leakage has also been extended to neighbouring communities, like Obedum, Emirikpoko, and Anyu, all in Abua/Odual LGA.
Also affected are Oruma and Ibelebiri communities in Bayelsa State, thereby causing humanitarian situation.
The Chairman of Abua/Odual LGA, Engr Owolobi Micheal Ofori, in a statement issued yesterday, expressed deep concern and sympathy to all affected persons and communities whose safety, health, welfare, lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by the incidents.
While blaming the cause of the gas leakage on militant activities, Ofori said that the oil gas explosion occurred early hours of last Tuesday along Creek-Rumuekpe Pipelines, operated by Renaissance Energy Company Limited, as well as the gas pipeline explosion on the Ogboinbiri-Obirikon Gas Pipeline operated by Oando Plc, which occurred late hours of Wednesday within Odau 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 chairman said.
Ofori called 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 both companies to provide prompt humanitarian assistance and relief materials to the affected residents and communities pending the full restoration of normalcy.
He further stated that his LGA, in close 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, maintain public order and coordinate emergency interventions.”
Additionally, he called on all relevant agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Rivers State Government to urgently intervene in order to avert further loss of lives, environmental degradation, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The council also urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders, and “strictly adhere to all safety advisories issued by relevant authorities”.
Ofori also stated that his council would “remain committed to protecting the lives and welfare of its people and will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift resolution of this unfortunate situation.”