An outbreak of fire has reportedly occurred at two NNPC flow stations at Cawthorne Channel 1 located near the boundary between Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas of Rivers State
The report indicated that the blaze commenced at about 3.00 am on Wednesday.
The video which accompanied the report showed a speed boat sailing on high speed on the river with thick smoke and fire spiraling toward the sky.
Our correspondent could however, not confirm the development from competent authorities
This brings to three reported cases of explosions and fire outbreaks on oil installation in the last 72 hours.
It would be recalled that unconfirmed reports had indicated that an explosion suspected to be bomb had rocked an oil facility in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday
The incident comes on the heels of the Trans Niger pipeline within the Ogoni axis, belonging to Shell Petroleum which exploded earlier,
disrupting crude oil supply to the Bonny Terminal, a vital crude oil export hub.
It was gathered that the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni explosion occurred at a manifold connecting the federal line in Okwawriwa, sending large plumes of flames and thick smoke into the air.
The affected pipeline is said to be responsible for transporting petroleum products from major oil companies, including Seplat, Agip, and Shell.
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However, the facility is said to be situated away from residential zones, significantly minimizing the risk of casualties.
It was learnt that security agencies have already initiated investigations into both explosions.
The Rivers State Police Command had detained two individuals in connection with the Trans-Niger Pipeline explosion, though no one has been formally charged yet.
While authorities are still working to ascertain the cause of both explosions, the frequency and timing of the attacks have sparked concerns about the possibility of sabotage.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing attacks on oil installations and political upheaval in the state.
