A second major pipeline explosion has rocked the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, occurring just hours after a similar incident in Bodo, Gokana LGA. The latest explosion struck a manifold connecting a federal pipeline in the Okwawriwa area on Tuesday morning, sending massive flames into the sky and raising fresh concerns about the safety of oil facilities in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred at a key oil transportation facility, which conveys petroleum products from Seplat, Agip, and Shell.
The facility serves ONELGA and parts of Imo State, transporting crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State. Fortunately, the remote location of the manifold prevented immediate casualties, but the fire has caused significant environmental damage.
Link to Trans-Niger Pipeline Blast
This explosion comes shortly after the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), suffered a similar fate in Bodo, Gokana LGA.
The Trans-Niger Pipeline transports crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, a key export point for Nigeria’s oil industry. Authorities have already launched an investigation into that incident, with two individuals taken in for questioning by the Rivers State Police Command. While the exact causes of the two explosions remain undetermined, concerns are mounting over potential sabotage.
The frequency and timing of the blasts have raised suspicions among industry experts and local stakeholders, prompting calls for a thorough investigation. Security agencies and relevant authorities are urged to take swift action to prevent future occurrences and protect Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.
The Rivers State Police Command, along with other security agencies, has vowed to uncover the root cause of these incidents. Investigators are examining the possibility of vandalism, technical failures, or other factors contributing to the explosions. Meanwhile, industry regulators and oil companies are expected to tighten security measures around critical infrastructure to prevent further attacks.
As investigations continue, local communities, industry stakeholders, and security agencies are on high alert. The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced pipeline monitoring, increased security, and long-term solutions to Nigeria’s persistent pipeline sabotage issues. Authorities must act decisively to safeguard the nation’s oil infrastructure, ensuring economic stability and environmental protection.