Residents of Obianime-Ama Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State are in distress following a pipeline rupture that has been leaking petroleum products unchecked.
The leakage, which began on Sunday, March 23, 2025, has raised serious environmental and safety concerns, with fears of a potential explosion or contamination.
Pipeline Leakage Sparks Panic
Sources confirm that the affected pipeline belongs to the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Eyewitnesses reported that the leakage began around 2:30 PM at a location opposite the PPMC facility in Okrika. Despite efforts by community members to contain the spill, the leakage has not yet been stopped, prompting residents to cordon off the area and restrict movement.
Images from the scene reveal the extent of the spill, with frustrated residents criticizing the delayed response from pipeline operators.
Vandalism or Equipment Failure?
While some residents suspect vandalism, others argue that the pipeline is simply old and deteriorating.
A community member, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated:
“It can’t be vandalism. People guard this place every night, so that kind of thing is impossible. The pipeline is old and needs to be replaced.”
Attempts to contact the Obianime-Ama Community Development Committee chairman and PPMC management for comments were unsuccessful.
Explosion Linked to Maintenance Work
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident in a press release, urging urgent action.
According to YEAC-Nigeria’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the leakage and a subsequent explosion occurred along the PPMC pipeline right of way in Okrika.
The explosion, reportedly linked to ongoing maintenance work by contractors, occurred on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Video evidence captured by YEAC-Nigeria youth volunteers showed flames erupting from the pipeline, which was later extinguished the same day.
Calls for Investigation & Accountability
YEAC-Nigeria has called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the exact cause of the leakage and explosion.
The advocacy group also urged the government to hold responsible parties accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
Fyneface further emphasized:
“There is an urgent need for a thorough investigation into these recurring oil spillages and explosions in the Niger Delta, especially in Rivers State, to mitigate their devastating environmental and socio-economic effects.”
Residents Demand Urgent Action
As tensions remain high in Obianime-Ama, residents are calling for immediate repairs to prevent further environmental damage and potential health hazards.
For now, the pipeline continues to leak, and the community awaits urgent intervention from relevant authorities.
Leave a Reply