An explosion has rocked the Trans-Niger Crude Oil Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Trans-Niger Pipeline is a crucial export route, transporting crude oil to the Bonny Terminal. And any disruption from the explosion could negatively affect Nigeria’s oil output, further straining the economy.
Sources confirmed that the explosion occured late on Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road, which is currently under construction.
As expected, the affected section of the major pipeline is ablaze.
It is not clear what caused the explosion.
But fears had heightened over the spill over effects of the crisis in the State with the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom WIke, listing ground for planned impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over alleged misconduct.
The “sins” containing the grounds for impeachment was released in a notice submitted to Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Monday, by 26 Rivers State House of Assembly members.
Citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other relevant laws, the legislators accused Governor Fubara of offences including reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds and obstructing the Assembly’s activities.
However, the cause of the explosion remains unclear, and no official confirmation has been made regarding whether it resulted from sabotage, technical failure, or other factors, Vanguard reported.
Speculation is growing that the explosion may be linked to recent threats by militant groups in the Niger Delta who have been warning of possible attacks on oil installations following the Federal Government’s withholding of Rivers State’s monthly allocation due to ongoing political tensions.
