Operations on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have resumed following an explosion that temporarily shut down the critical oil transport line.
On Monday night, a fire erupted along a section of the TNP on the Bodo-Bonny road, with videos circulating on social media showing flames rising into the night sky. The pipeline, which supplies crude oil to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers State, was shut down as authorities responded to the incident.
Pipeline Restarted After Temporary Shutdown
Tony Okonedo, spokesperson for Renaissance Group, confirmed in a brief interview with TheCable on Wednesday that operations had resumed.
“Operations have resumed. We previously suspended operations to respond to a third-party interference, but now we have resumed,” Okonedo stated.
The explosion raised concerns about potential environmental damage and oil supply disruptions in the region.
Explosion Amid Political Crisis in Rivers
The pipeline incident occurred amid escalating political tension in Rivers State.
On Monday, lawmakers aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The next day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly. Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator, a move that has sparked controversy and nationwide debate.
