Less than 24 hours after an explosion hit the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo community of Gokana local government area of Rivers State, another explosion has occurred at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the State on Tuesday.
The latest blast occurred at a Manifold Connecting federal line in Okwawriwa area in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the State on Tuesday morning, sending massive flames into the air.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion happened at a facility that conveys petroleum products from Seplat, Agip, and Shell, serving Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and parts of Imo State, to Brass in Bayelsa State.
It was gathered that the facility is located at a distance from residential homes, minimising the risk of casualties.
The latest explosion comes on the heels of a similar incident at the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which transports oil to Bonny Terminal.
The first pipeline explosion, which occurred in Bodo, Gokana LGA, was already being investigated by the Police.
Also, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that two persons have been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the Trans-Niger Pipeline explosion.
While the causes of the blasts were yet to be determined, the police were working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, concerns were growing about the potential impact of the explosions on the oil and gas industry, as well as the environment and local communities.
Relevant authorities were urged to take swift action to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
The frequency and timing of the explosions have raised suspicions of sabotage against the backdrop of the current political situation in the State, with many calling for a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incidents.
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