BREAKING: Explosion rocks Trans-Niger pipeline in River State, cause unknown

A massive explosion has hit the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The blast, which occurred late Monday night (March 17), sparked a raging fire near the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road construction site.

Videos circulating online on Tuesday morning show thick black smoke rising as flames spread rapidly into the surrounding mangrove.

The affected section of the critical crude oil transport line remains engulfed in fire, though the exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined.

Authorities are investigating whether the incident resulted from sabotage, particularly in light of recent threats by militant groups to attack oil facilities following the Federal Government’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation due to ongoing political tensions.

The TNP, a key export pipeline, transports crude to the Bonny Terminal.

Efforts to reach the Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, for confirmation were ongoing at the time of this report.

More to come.