A fresh explosion has struck a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.
This incident comes just hours after a similar explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the latest explosion occurred deep inside the forest at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline transporting crude oil to Brass, Bayelsa State. Witnesses reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the site, though officials have yet to confirm the incident.
The explosion comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers, as the state’s House of Assembly, aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Fubara and Wike have been locked in a protracted political battle over control of the state.
Meanwhile, there are growing speculations that President Bola Tinubu may declare a state of emergency in Rivers, potentially appointing a military administrator to temporarily govern the state.
