Pipeline Explosion Hits Bayelsa Amid Rivers State Emergency Declaration

WEDNESDAY March 19, 2025 |TheNewsDESK

A new pipeline explosion has been reported in Gbarain Kingdom, Bayelsa State, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address where he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, PoliticsNIGERIA reports.

The explosion, which occurred late Tuesday, March 18, 2025, has raised fresh concerns over pipeline safety and oil facility attacks in the Niger Delta. The cause of the blast remains unclear, and authorities are yet to confirm the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s announcement led to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the state.

When contacted for a response, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, declined to comment on the suspension.

“The president has made a declaration, and what do you think we can say? I think it is too hasty to make any comment about it,” Johnson said.

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.

The crisis in Rivers intensified due to the power struggle between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over control of the state’s political structure.

This latest explosion is the third reported incident following the House of Assembly’s impeachment move against Governor Fubara.

Just hours before, another major pipeline explosion hit Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in Rivers State, following an earlier blast in Bodo, Gokana LGA.