By Alagoa Morris & Akpotu Ziworitin
INTRODUCTION
On January 3, 2026, the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) received a report from a comrade alerting the organization to a suspected gas pipeline leakage belonging to Oando Plc on the Orashi River near Akinima, along the Oshie oilfield line.
Despite initial communication challenges and lack of local guidance, a follow-up message on January 29 from the same contact confirmed the persistence of the leak and revealed that the Engenni Youth Assembly had shown interest in escalating the issue.
Following further confirmation and receipt of a geotagged video showing continuous bubbling on the river surface, EDEN conducted a field visit on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
AT AKINIMA AND OSHIE
Upon arrival, EDEN representatives met with Comrade Okenya Onem, President of the Engenni Youth Assembly, and Alfred Udiomine, a local resident. The team traveled across the river to Oshie Community, where they met His Royal Highness, Patrick Miller, the paramount ruler of Oshie.
The community leaders explained that the affected area is part of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s (now Oando’s) Oshie Oilfield, which comprises seven communities: Akie-Oniso, Akinima, Oshie, Akala-Akala-Olu, Ukpeliede, Enito 1, and Enito 2—all within Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The EDEN team conducted interviews, took photographs, and documented testimonies at the riverbank—approximately 80–100 meters from the bubbling spot—where continuous gas emission was observed.
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTIMONIES
His Royal Highness Patrick Miller, paramount ruler of Oshie community, described the situation as a year-long environmental disaster ignored by Oando: “The gas has been bubbling for over a year. We informed Agip before Oando took over, but nothing has been done. The Orashi River is our only source of drinking water. We soak cassava, fish, and bathe there. The gas has made the river unsafe. People suffer from vomiting, skin rashes, and blackened cassava. Our livelihoods are destroyed. We plead with Oando and the government to stop this and compensate us.”
Mrs. Queen Jacob, a mother of four, added: “We can’t drink or bathe in the river anymore. Our bodies itch when we do. We can’t catch fish as before. It’s been like this for over a year.”
Mrs. Nicholas Ngozi Ididie (59) lamented the contamination of their main water source: “When we soak cassava and process it into fufu, it turns black. Both children and adults fall sick after drinking the water. We are now forced to buy sachet water.”
Comrade Okenya Onem, outgoing President of Engenni Youth Assembly, accused Oando of neglect: “This leak has lasted over a year. Oando knows but has done nothing. The Orashi is our main water source. This is slow poisoning. The government and NNPC must act. If Oando fails to stop this, we will take legal action.”
Comrade Dede Odum Friday, Youth President of Oshie community, confirmed that Oando had visited the site several times for Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs) but without resolution: “They come with soldiers, intimidate us, and write whatever they like. Nothing changes. We are suffering.”
Comrade Ikalama Wilcox, Akinima Youth President, echoed the same sentiment: “Oando must take responsibility. We are law-abiding citizens, but this has gone on too long. We call on NNPCL and the government to intervene.”
Mr. Alfred Udiomine, a community leader from Akinima, also criticized Oando’s inaction: “Letters have been written, but no response. No potable water, and people are getting sick. If nothing is done, we will go to court.”
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSION
The field investigation confirmed visible gas bubbling on the surface of the Orashi River, approximately 80 meters from the Oshie bank. Hydrocarbon sheens and oily particles were also observed, confirming contamination.
Children were seen swimming, women washing and fermenting cassava, and fishermen working at the same site—exposing the community to serious health hazards.
EDEN noted that the Oshie Oilfield was previously managed by Nigerian Agip Oil Company, notorious for poor environmental response, as documented by the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) in several past reports, including a 2020 field study on delayed remediation of ruptured pipelines.
Current evidence suggests Oando has inherited not just the assets, but also the culture of negligence—failing to respond promptly to ongoing environmental hazards.
EDEN DEMANDS
Immediate Action:
Oando should urgently mobilize to stop the ongoing gas leak on the Orashi River as part of its corporate environmental responsibility.
Government Oversight:
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should compel Oando to protect the health and livelihoods of Engenni and other affected communities.
Regulatory Intervention:
The Ahoada West Local Government, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, and the Federal Ministry of Environment should immediately intervene to protect public health and environmental safety.
Provision of Safe Water:
Oando and relevant government agencies must provide potable water to residents of Oshie, Akinima, and neighboring communities urgently.
This field work was conducted in Oshie/Akinima Communities, Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State.
Date of Visit: Saturday, January 31, 2026.
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