An explosion has rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, igniting a fire at the affected section of the major crude oil transport route. The exact cause of the incident remains undetermined, but it comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
Authorities are investigating whether the explosion resulted from human interference, especially following recent threats from militant groups targeting oil installations. The Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), a militant group operating in Rivers State, had previously warned of imminent hostilities in response to the Federal Government’s decision to withhold the state’s financial allocation due to the ongoing political crisis.
According to reports, the explosion occurred on Monday night along the crucial export pipeline, which channels crude oil to the Bonny Terminal. The timing has raised concerns about potential sabotage, particularly in light of growing unrest in the state.
The political crisis stems from a Supreme Court ruling last Friday, which upheld a lower court’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation until a legally constituted House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, is in place. In reaction to the ruling, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum on Monday, demanding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara present the 2025 budget before the House. The deadline expired at midnight on Wednesday.
As tensions mount, residents of Rivers State have been gripped by fear. A video circulating on social media on Thursday shows a group of approximately eight militants, armed with AK-47 rifles, chanting slogans in a forested location. The group’s spokesperson delivered a statement expressing grave concern over the situation in Rivers State and accusing political actors of attempting to undermine governance under Governor Fubara.
“We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent developments in Rivers State that threaten the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara,” declared the group’s leader in the footage.
The militants condemned what they perceive as an attempt to pressure the governor into presenting the state budget under duress, warning that such actions could plunge the state into further turmoil, possibly resulting in a state of emergency or even impeachment. The group specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and check the alleged influence of Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies, whom they accused of destabilizing the state.
In addition, the militants issued a stark warning regarding the delayed release of Rivers State’s federal allocation, threatening to target oil production facilities if the situation is not resolved.
“If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take decisive action, including hitting oil production,” the group’s leader warned.
The militants further argued that Rivers State contributes significantly to national revenue and must receive its rightful share. “We cannot generate money into the federation account without receiving our share. Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects,” the statement concluded.
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Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the explosion or the threats made by the militant group. Meanwhile, the fire at the Trans-Niger Pipeline remains active, posing a potential risk to oil operations and security in the region. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether tensions will escalate further or if a resolution will be reached through dialogue and intervention by the federal government.
