A massive explosion has struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Monday night, left the affected section of the pipeline engulfed in flames by Tuesday morning. Thick black smoke was seen rising into the sky as the fire rapidly spread into the surrounding mangroves, according to a viral video.
Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the explosion, though concerns have been raised about possible sabotage, especially amid threats from militant groups over the federal government’s withholding of Rivers State’s monthly allocations due to the ongoing political crisis.
The TNP is a key federal pipeline transporting crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal.
When contacted, Rivers State Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said she had yet to receive full details of the incident.
