An explosion has hit the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, causing widespread panic in the region.
The blast occurred late Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road, which is currently under construction. As of Tuesday morning, the affected section of the pipeline remains engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising into the air and spreading towards nearby mangrove forests.
Cause of Explosion Still Unclear
The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined. However, security agencies and oil industry officials are investigating possible links to sabotage or militant activity, especially given recent threats from militant groups targeting oil infrastructure.
The explosion comes amid rising political tensions in Rivers State following the Federal Government’s decision to withhold the state’s allocation, a move that has fueled unrest and threats of retaliation from militant groups.
The Trans-Niger Pipeline is a critical federal oil transport line supplying crude to the Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State. Authorities are expected to issue further updates as investigations continue.
Fresh Pipeline Attack in Bayelsa Raises Questions Over Rivers Emergency Rule
Barely 24hrs after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State to curb instability and protect oil infrastructure, a new pipeline attack has occurred in Bayelsa State.
While the emergency rule aimed to restore order in Rivers, the spread of sabotage to Bayelsa raises concerns about wider insecurity in the Niger Delta.
Key Concerns:
Security Threats Persist: Militants remain active despite federal intervention.
Economic Impact: Ongoing sabotage threatens Nigeria’s oil revenue.
Unresolved Political Crisis: The Rivers State feud may be fueling tensions across the region.
What Next?
Experts warn that military intervention alone won’t solve the crisis. A long-term solution must include political reconciliation, intelligence-driven security efforts, and economic engagement to address the root causes of unrest.
With the crisis now spreading, will the federal government expand its response, or will it reconsider its emergency rule strategy?
Dr. Amiida
Headlinenews.news
