Two People Arrested in Connection with Trans-Niger Pipeline Explosion in Rivers

 Police in Rivers State have arrested two individuals in connection with the Trans-Niger Pipeline explosion that struck the Bodo community and have launched an investigation into the incident. The explosion, which occurred on Monday night and impacted the mangrove area, has since been extinguished.

Grace Iringe-Iroko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed that the two individuals were detained for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any possible sabotage related to the explosion.

“The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In connection with this, two persons have been taken in for questioning,” Iringe-Iroko said in a statement released on Tuesday.

According to her, security personnel on a night patrol spotted the fire near the border of Kpor and Bodo communities and promptly alerted Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which operates the pipeline.

“SPDC immediately activated safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline,” Iringe-Iroko added.

Thanks to the quick response, the situation is now under control, and there is no longer a threat to residents or the environment. Videos from the scene showed thick black smoke rising as the fire spread through the mangrove.

Residents in the area were later seen monitoring the site of the explosion.

Minister of Regional Affairs Abubakar Momoh had previously stated that while the full details of the incident remain unclear, investigations are underway.

“Up until now, we have not been able to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion, but investigations are ongoing,” the minister said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics. He assured that a complete understanding of the incident would be provided “in due time.”