Ikata, Rivers State — Renaissance, the new operator of oil assets formerly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has shut down operations on its 14-inch Okordia–Rumuekpe pipeline following an oil spill in the Ikata community of Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The company confirmed the shutdown through its spokesperson, Mr. Michael Adande, who stated that the decision was made to contain the spill and prevent further environmental damage. “Production into the affected pipeline segment has been halted to mitigate the impact and allow for investigation and cleanup,” he said.
Local sources, including a pipeline surveillance guard who spoke under anonymity, claim the spill was not accidental. “This was third-party interference,” the guard said, adding that he witnessed the sabotage firsthand. He also noted that many local residents, especially farmers, believe the incident was a deliberate attempt to undermine both the government and the company’s operations.
The spill has sparked renewed concerns over pipeline security in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions, where vandalism and sabotage have long contributed to environmental degradation and revenue loss.
Efforts to assess the scale of the damage and begin remediation are underway, as Renaissance collaborates with relevant authorities and local stakeholders.
