A massive explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State late Monday night, sending towering flames into the sky near the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road construction site.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but the affected section of the crucial oil pipeline is still engulfed in flames.
While officials have yet to confirm if human interference played a role, the incident has heightened concerns, especially in light of recent militant threats targeting oil facilities in the region.
Residents recounted hearing a deafening blast before noticing the inferno consuming the pipeline.
“The fire is still raging, and people are worried about the potential impact on the community and the environment,” a local source revealed.
As a key oil transport corridor, the Trans-Niger Pipeline has frequently been a target for sabotage and illegal bunkering, causing severe environmental and economic repercussions.
This latest explosion has intensified fears of renewed hostilities against Nigeria’s energy infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Authorities and emergency responders are expected to conduct an assessment to determine the extent of the damage and the possible cause of the blast. Meanwhile, security forces have been placed on high alert to prevent further incidents.
The explosion highlights the persistent security challenges surrounding the nation’s oil sector, prompting renewed calls for stronger protection of vital energy assets.
