BODO, Nigeria — A section of the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was ruptured by an explosion late on Monday, March 17, 2025, leading to a massive fire and raising fears of environmental damage.
The incident, which occurred near the Bodo-Bonny road currently under construction, sent thick black smoke and flames billowing into the surrounding mangrove forest.
A video shared online captured the intensity of the blaze, with flames spreading rapidly across the area.
An eyewitness reported that the explosion caused significant panic among residents, with many fleeing the scene to avoid the inferno.
The TNP, a critical federal oil transport line, feeds crude oil to the Bonny export terminal, a major hub for Nigeria’s oil exports.
The explosion has sparked concerns about potential environmental damage, including the destruction of mangrove ecosystems and contamination of nearby water sources. Additionally, the incident could disrupt oil supply in the region, further impacting Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the explosion, but such incidents are often linked to pipeline vandalism, equipment failure, or illegal oil bunkering activities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other relevant agencies have been alerted to the situation, and emergency response teams are reportedly on their way to the scene to contain the fire and assess the damage.
The Bodo community, which has previously suffered from oil spills and environmental degradation, is bracing for the potential fallout from the latest incident.
Local leaders have called for swift action to mitigate the impact on the environment and livelihoods of residents.
This explosion adds to a growing list of pipeline-related incidents in the Niger Delta region, highlighting the urgent need for improved pipeline security and maintenance.
The region, which accounts for the majority of Nigeria’s oil production, has long struggled with oil theft, sabotage, and environmental pollution.
