A pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was rocked by an explosion on Tuesday.
This latest incident comes just hours after a similar explosion struck the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the explosion occurred at a manifold linked to a federal pipeline deep within the forest. The pipeline in question transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
Although authorities have yet to officially confirm the incident, eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke and flames rising from the site. The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she would verify the situation but had not provided any updates as of the time of this report. A video obtained by journalists also shows a large fire burning in an isolated area, reinforcing the accounts from the community.
In a separate development, Ijaw youths staged a protest on Tuesday, obstructing movement along the Ahoada section of the East-West Road, which connects to Bayelsa State.
The protesters, numbering over 100, displayed placards in support of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid his ongoing political dispute with the state House of Assembly. Some of the banners read, “We demand Wike’s removal as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have lost their seats.”
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