Another devastating explosion has occurred at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area in Rivers State. The explosion, which took place on Tuesday, comes just hours after a similar incident shook the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, highlighting the continuing risks to Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
The latest explosion reportedly occurred at a manifold deep within the forest, connecting a federal pipeline that transports crude oil from the region to Brass in Bayelsa State. While the incident has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities, local residents reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the site. The area affected is largely remote and difficult to access, making it hard for emergency responders to reach the scene quickly.
A video circulating on social media shows a large fire burning in the distance, with thick black smoke rising into the air. Community sources who spoke with our correspondent described a scene of chaos as the fire continued to rage at the oil installation. The pipeline is a crucial link in the transportation of crude oil from Rivers State to Bayelsa, raising concerns over the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that she was aware of the incident but was still in the process of verifying the explosion. At the time of filing this report, no official response had been provided, and authorities had not yet been able to assess the full extent of the damage.
Local communities in the affected area have often raised concerns over the safety of the pipelines and the environmental consequences of such explosions. Previous incidents have left several families displaced and caused significant environmental damage due to the spillage of crude oil and gas. The consistent attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region have also prompted calls for better security measures and more robust responses from both the government and the oil companies operating in the region.
The Tuesday explosion in Omwawriwa comes just hours after another attack on the Trans Niger Pipeline, which is operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. This series of explosions highlights the ongoing problem of pipeline vandalism and attacks on Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, which has been a long-standing issue in the Niger Delta region. While the Trans Niger Pipeline serves as a major conduit for the country’s oil exports, it has been targeted multiple times by armed groups and militants who demand a greater share of the region’s oil wealth or seek to disrupt oil operations altogether.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have been persistent problems in the Niger Delta, a region rich in natural resources but plagued by underdevelopment and poverty. Local communities often feel excluded from the wealth generated by oil, which has led to tensions between local residents and the government, as well as frequent violent clashes between security forces and militants.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, over 100 Ijaw youths took to the streets in protest on Tuesday, blocking the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road, which connects Rivers State to Bayelsa. The protesters, carrying placards in support of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demonstrated amid his ongoing political feud with the state House of Assembly. The protest, which caused significant traffic disruptions, was largely peaceful but attracted attention due to its political context.
Some of the placards carried by the protesters read: “We demand Wike’s sack as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.” The protesters were showing solidarity with Governor Fubara, who has been at odds with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly after the defection of 26 lawmakers from the ruling party.
The ongoing political struggle in Rivers State has sparked tensions between political factions, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the democratic process. The protests and political unrest have added to the already volatile security situation in the region, which has seen an uptick in both criminal activities and militant actions in recent years.
The Ijaw youths’ protest is part of a larger, complex political environment in Rivers State. The state has long been a political battleground, with several factions vying for control and influence. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is facing challenges from various quarters, including the state legislature, and the political instability is contributing to growing frustration among the youth and other local groups.
The mention of former Governor Nyesom Wike’s name in the placards is particularly significant, as Wike, who is currently the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), remains a key figure in the state’s politics. His influence in the region is substantial, and his policies during his tenure as governor have left lasting effects on the political landscape of Rivers State. The demand for his dismissal as FCT Minister reflects the ongoing tensions between Wike’s supporters and detractors.
The protest in Ahoada is not an isolated incident but part of a broader wave of political activism in the Niger Delta, where calls for justice, representation, and a fair share of the region’s oil wealth continue to fuel unrest. It is clear that political and social issues in the Niger Delta remain intertwined with economic concerns, particularly regarding the management of oil resources.
