A fresh explosion has been reported at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, follows a similar explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
Sources revealed that the explosion happened at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline situated deep in the forest.
The affected pipeline is responsible for transporting crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State. Although authorities have yet to confirm the incident, eyewitnesses reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke billowing from the affected area.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she would verify the situation but had not provided an update at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, a video obtained by journalists shows a large fire burning in a remote location, further fueling concerns over the cause and impact of the explosion.
In a separate development, Ijaw youths staged a demonstration on Tuesday, blocking the Ahoada section of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State.
The protesters, numbering over 100, carried placards in support of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his ongoing political dispute with the state House of Assembly.
Some of the banners read, “We demand Wike’s removal as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have lost their seats.”