ONC Condemns Attack On Trans-Niger Pipeline, Urges Vigilance In Host Communities

The Orashi National Congress (ONC), a prominent socio-cultural organization in the Niger Delta, has condemned the reported attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in the Odau area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State. The group called for heightened community vigilance and immediate public enlightenment against illegal oil bunkering.

According to a statement issued by ONC leadership, the attack allegedly caused a gas leak and forced residents of Odau and nearby communities to flee their homes over fears of explosion and environmental damage.

“The attack, which reportedly caused a gas leak and forced residents to flee over fears of an explosion and environmental damage is worrisome,” Ambassador Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, President General of ONC, said in the release.

ONC said it joined Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and “other well-meaning individuals” in condemning the act. PINL is the government-contracted firm responsible for surveillance and protection of the TNP.

The Congress described the incident as “unfortunate,” stressing that the Trans-Niger Pipeline remains a critical national asset that transports crude oil from the Niger Delta to the Bonny Export Terminal. Disruptions to the pipeline have historically impacted national oil production, government revenue, and local economies.

“Congress described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that the pipeline remains a critical national asset,” the statement noted.

ONC argued that the attack underscores the urgent need for sustained public awareness campaigns in riverine communities. The group said the need “for a public enlightenment campaign against illegal oil bunkering activities in the area to be carried out now is very much necessary”.

Ambassador Ibe urged traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders in Abua/Odual to mobilize residents to resist involvement in pipeline vandalism and illegal refining. He said such activities endanger lives, destroy farmland and waterways, and deprive communities of legitimate development.

The Trans-Niger Pipeline is one of Nigeria’s major crude oil transportation lines. Attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta have been linked by security agencies and industry operators to oil theft, illegal refining, and communal disputes. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regularly report production losses due to such incidents.

PINL, under the Federal Government’s pipeline surveillance contract, works with local communities and security agencies to monitor the TNP. Community-based surveillance has been cited by authorities as key to reducing attacks.

Ambassador Ibe called on residents of Odau and the wider Orashi region to provide timely information to PINL, security agencies, and community leaders on suspicious activities around pipeline right-of-ways.

“We must protect what belongs to all of us. Vigilance today will save lives and livelihoods tomorrow,” the ONC PG said.

As at press time, official confirmation of the cause and extent of damage from NNPCL, NUPRC, or security agencies had not been released. Authorities typically investigate pipeline incidents and issue updates through official channels.