The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has alerted the government and public of a fresh oil spillage from an OANDO pipeline in Akinima, Ahoada West Local Government Area (AWELGA), Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on January 12, 2026, involves a 6-inch pipeline that is still leaking, with the affected area yet to be clamped, raising concerns about potential environmental damage and risks to nearby communities.
Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface,Executive Director, YEAC-Nigeria, disclosed that the spillage was brought to its attention by youths under its Crude Oil Spill Alert System (COSAS) of the Youth Volunteers Network.
The group described the incident as a stark reminder of the recurring oil spill challenges that continue to affect communities and the environment across the Niger Delta, undermining both public health and local livelihoods.
The organization condemned the alleged act of vandalism and called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and OANDO, the facility operator, to take urgent and decisive action to contain the spill and prevent further environmental degradation.
“The continuous oil spillage in our region is not only detrimental to the fragile environment but also poses a serious threat to the health, safety, and livelihood of local communities,” YEAC-Nigeria emphasized.
The group urged the authorities to:Conduct an immediate Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the site. Clamp the pipeline to stop further leakage.
Investigate the cause of the spillage and enforce relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. Implement preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
YEAC-Nigeria said it would continue to closely monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of affected communities, stressing that perpetrators should be held accountable if third-party interference is confirmed.
