An explosion has rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The explosion occurred late on Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road under construction, hours after the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly initiated the impeachment process of Gover Sim Fubara.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing, with a raging fire spreading fast into the mangrove from a video that emerged on Tuesday morning.
The TNP, a critical federal oil transport line, supplies crude oil to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers State.
Recall that one of the Niger Delta militant groups had threatened violence should the lawmaker, loyal to the FCT minister Nyesom Wike commence any move to remove Fubara from office.
Rivers State Police Command confirmed the fire incident on the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline, saying that two people hae been arrested.
The command assured that the situation had been brought under control.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, did not however say if the development was caused by a militant group.
She said: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a fire incident occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.
“During a routine night patrol, security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted SPDC management.
“The latter initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline. As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.”
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