Barely a week after militant Ijaw youths threatened a disruption in oil exploration and export, an explosion has ruptured a section of the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo community, Gokana LGA of Rivers state.
The incident, which occurred late Monday night, led to a conflagration in the area.
In a video shared online, thick black smoke and flames were seen spreading rapidly into the surrounding mangrove forest.
An eyewitness said the explosion occurred near the Bodo-Bonny road, which is currently under construction.
The TNP, a critical federal oil transport line, feeds crude oil to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers state.
The explosion has raised concerns about potential environmental damage and disruption of oil supply in the region.
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Meanwhile Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers state police command, told newsmen that she would provide an update after making inquiries.
The incident comes amid the political tension in Rivers. On Monday lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), commenced impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state.
Some Ijaw groups had warned that any attempt to impeach Fubara may destabilise the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
