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The Rivers State Police Command has begun investigating the Trans-Niger Pipeline explosion at Bodo in the Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
Grace Iringe-Koko, SP, spokesperson of the police disclosed that the explosion affected a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Iringe-Koko said the Xplosion rocked the state at about midnight on Monday, destroying the pipeline that transported crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, a major crude oil export facility.
“Operatives observed the incident and immediately alerted SPDC management. SPDC quickly initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline,” she revealed.
“The situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.”
According to her, the matter is still under investigations to ascertain what led to the explosion as well as determine the extent of damage.
Furthermore, Iringe-Koko disclosed that two suspects had been arrested and helping the investigation to ascertain whether there was any sabotage.
“The command remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for this crime are identified and brought to justice,” she added, urging the people to remain peaceful and at alert.
Assuring the people that “the command is commitment to public safety”, the police spokesperson urged them to report any security concern through the police emergency numbers: 08032003514 and 08098880134.
Recall that following the protracted political crisis in the state, some militant groups had threatened to attack pipelines in the Niger Delta in response to the Supreme Court’s judgement which withheld revenue allocations to Rivers
There is fear that the explosion, which occurred on the same day members of the Rivers State House of Assembly escalated the tension by initiating impeachment proceedings Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, might be connected to the crisis.
