A massive explosion has rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The explosion happened late Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road, which is currently under construction.
Thick black smoke and flames were seen spreading quickly into the surrounding mangrove, according to a video that surfaced on Tuesday morning.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown, and authorities have not confirmed if it was due to human interference.
The incident comes amid recent threats from militant groups to attack oil facilities in response to the Federal Government’s withholding of Rivers State’s allocation due to ongoing political issues.
The Trans Niger Pipeline is a major transport line that carries crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would investigate the situation and provide feedback. However, she had yet to do so at the time of this report.
Authorities are expected to begin investigations to determine the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage.
