An explosion has occurred at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, comes just hours after a similar explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
According to sources, the latest explosion happened at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline located deep inside the forest. The affected pipeline is responsible for transporting crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
While there has been no official confirmation, witnesses reported seeing huge flames and thick smoke rising from the area.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she would look into the incident but had not provided any updates as of the time of this report.
A video obtained by our correspondent shows a massive fire burning in a remote location, further confirming the reports from community members.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Ijaw youths staged a protest on Tuesday, blocking the Ahoada section of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State.
The protesters, numbering over 100, carried placards in support of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his ongoing political conflict with the state House of Assembly.
Some of the placards bore messages such as “We demand Wike’s sack as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.”
