Explosion suspected to be Bomb rocked an oil facility in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State
This bomb explosion on Tuesday morning, marking the second major blast in the state within just 12 hours. The explosion occurred at a Manifold Connecting federal line in Okwawriwa, sending large plumes of flames and thick smoke into the air.
The affected pipeline transports petroleum products from major oil companies, including Seplat, Agip, and Shell, supplying areas in ONELGA, parts of Imo State, and Brass in Bayelsa State. Thankfully, the facility is situated away from residential zones, significantly minimizing the risk of casualties.
However, the timing of the blast raised serious concerns among locals and officials alike. This incident follows a similar explosion at the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, which also occurred within the past 24 hours. That explosion, which took place at a Shell-operated facility, disrupts crude oil supply to the Bonny Terminal, a vital export hub.
Security agencies have already initiated investigations into both explosions. The Rivers State Police Command had detained two individuals in connection with the Trans-Niger Pipeline explosion, though no one has been formally charged yet.
While authorities are still working to ascertain the cause of both explosions, the frequency and timing of the attacks have sparked concerns about the possibility of sabotage. Calls for a thorough investigation are growing, as citizens demand clarity and action to prevent further incidents.
The explosions have also raised alarms over their potential impact on oil production in Nigeria, the environment, and local communities. With the country’s economy heavily reliant on oil exports, such disruptions could have wide-reaching consequences for both domestic and global markets. Officials are being urged to act quickly and decisively to address the growing concerns and ensure the safety and stability of the region’s oil infrastructure.
