Rivers State has been rocked by yet another pipeline explosion, this time at a manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, comes just hours after a similar explosion hit the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the explosion took place deep inside the forest at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline that transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
Witnesses reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the affected area, though official confirmation from authorities is still pending.
When contacted, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that she was working to verify the incident but had yet to provide further details at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, tensions in the state escalated further as Ijaw youths staged a protest along the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road, disrupting movement to Bayelsa State.
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Numbering over 100, the demonstrators carried placards expressing their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his ongoing political battle 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.”
The dual crises—escalating political tensions and repeated pipeline explosions—have heightened concerns over security and stability in the oil-rich state.
Authorities are expected to take urgent steps to address the growing unrest.