BREAKING: Explosion Rocks Major Oil Pipeline in Rivers

An explosion has rocked a major oil pipeline, the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred on Monday night, and by Tuesday morning, the affected section of the pipeline was still ablaze. Thick black smoke could be seen rising into the sky, and a raging fire rapidly spread into the surrounding mangrove, according to footage that emerged on Tuesday.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion and have not yet determined whether it was the result of human interference. This comes amid recent threats from militant groups to target oil installations in response to the federal government’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s monthly allocations due to the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The Trans-Niger Pipeline is a crucial federal transport line that supplies oil to the Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State.

When reached for comment, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she did not have full details of the incident at this time.

Further details will be provided as the situation develops.