A pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was hit by an explosion on Tuesday. This incident occurred just hours after a similar explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
The latest explosion reportedly happened at a manifold connecting a federal pipeline deep inside the forest, which transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State. Although the explosion has yet to be officially confirmed, community sources reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from an oil installation in the forest.
Protesters Block East-West Road
In a separate development, Ijaw youths blocked the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State in protest. The demonstrators, numbering over 100, carried placards in solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his political feud with the state House of Assembly. Some of the placards read: “We demand Wike’s sack as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.”
