A powerful explosion tore through a segment of the Trans-Niger Pipeline in the Bodo Community, located in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, late Monday night, further escalating the region’s mounting challenges. The blast, reported near the under-construction Bodo-Bonny Road, has intensified concerns amid an ongoing political crisis in the state.

A widely circulated video captured the aftermath, revealing dense black smoke billowing into the sky and a fierce fire rapidly engulfing the surrounding mangrove. The incident follows threats by unidentified militants to target oil infrastructure in Rivers, a warning linked to the state’s deepening political unrest.

When reached for comment, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police spokesperson, stated she was unaware of the situation but promised to investigate and provide an update later. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion, and the cause remains unclear, heightening anxiety in an already volatile region.