Unconfirmed reports indicate that an explosion occurred at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State on Tuesday morning.
A source from the area, who requested anonymity, alleged that the explosion took place at a manifold connecting a federal pipeline in the Okwawriwa area. Residents reportedly woke up to find a raging fire at the facility, which is located at a safe distance from residential areas.
According to the source, the affected infrastructure transports petroleum products from Seplat, Agip, and Shell across ONELGA and parts of Imo State to Brass in Bayelsa State. This incident comes less than 12 hours after a fire outbreak was reported on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which conveys crude oil to the Bonny Terminal.
Authorities have yet to determine whether human activities played a role in the fires at both facilities. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command, in an earlier statement regarding the explosion in Gokana LGA, confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident. The police also disclosed that two individuals have been taken in for questioning concerning the Trans-Niger Pipeline fire.
As developments unfold, residents and stakeholders await further clarification on the cause of these incidents.
