Operations have resumed on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, following a fire outbreak that disrupted activities.
The incident occurred on Monday night when a fire erupted along a section of the TNP on the Bodo-Bonny road. A video circulating on social media captured towering flames lighting up the night sky, sparking concerns over potential environmental damage and disruptions to oil supply.
The TNP, a vital federal oil transport artery, channels crude oil to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers State. In response to the explosion, operations were temporarily halted as authorities assessed the situation.
Tony Okonedo, Renaissance Group’s spokesperson of the company confirmed on Wednesday that operations have resumed.
“Operations have resumed. We previously suspended operations to respond to a third-party interference but now we have resumed,” Okonedo said.
The pipeline explosion occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Rivers State.
On Monday, lawmakers aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deepening the state’s political crisis.
By Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged turmoil in the South-South state. In a decisive move, he also suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly.