posted 18th March 2025
Explosion Rocks Trans-Niger Pipeline in Rivers State Amid Rising Tensions
Bodo, Rivers State – A powerful explosion tore through the Trans-Niger Pipeline in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State late Monday night, sparking a fierce blaze that continues to rage along the affected section. The critical export pipeline, which channels crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, is now at the centre of an unfolding crisis as authorities scramble to investigate the cause of the incident.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the scene, but the fire has yet to be brought under control. The exact trigger of the explosion remains unclear, with officials unable to confirm whether it was an accident or an act of sabotage. Speculation is mounting, however, given the volatile atmosphere in the region.
The blast comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between militant groups and the Federal Government. In recent weeks, threats have surfaced from armed factions vowing to target oil infrastructure in retaliation for the government’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s financial allocation amid an ongoing political dispute. While no group has claimed responsibility for the incident, authorities have not ruled out human interference as a potential cause.
Local residents reported hearing a deafening blast shortly before flames illuminated the night sky, sending plumes of thick black smoke billowing over Bodo. The Trans-Niger Pipeline, a vital artery in Nigeria’s oil industry, has long been a target for attacks and vandalism, disrupting production and costing the country millions in lost revenue.
A spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command said investigations are underway, urging calm as they work to establish the facts. “We are collaborating with relevant agencies to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the area,” the spokesperson stated. “At this stage, it’s too early to speculate on the cause, but all possibilities are being considered.”
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta, where unrest has flared in response to political and economic grievances. The Federal Government has yet to issue an official statement, but pressure is mounting for a swift resolution as the fire threatens further damage to the pipeline.
As the investigation continues, the people of Bodo and surrounding communities brace for the potential environmental and economic fallout from yet another disruption to the region’s oil lifeline.
