In a developing situation, a pipeline explosion has been reported in Gbarain Kingdom, Bayelsa State, coinciding with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national address declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The explosion, which marks the third major incident in recent days, has raised concerns about security, oil infrastructure safety, and the ongoing political turmoil in the region.
State of Emergency Declared in Rivers State
On Tuesday, March 19, 2025, President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly. This drastic measure was taken in response to the escalating political crisis fueled by the power struggle between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In response to the suspension, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, declined to make an immediate statement.
“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, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance and restore stability.
Pipeline Explosions: A Growing Concern
The Gbarain Kingdom explosion is the latest in a series of pipeline-related incidents affecting oil-rich states. Just hours before this incident, another pipeline explosion was reported in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in Rivers State. Additionally, an earlier blast occurred in Bodo, Gokana LGA, further exacerbating concerns about the security of critical oil infrastructure.
These frequent pipeline explosions raise urgent questions about:
- Pipeline safety and maintenance
- Sabotage and oil theft
- Environmental hazards and community safety
- Government intervention and regulatory measures
Link Between Political Instability and Pipeline Attacks
Some analysts believe that political instability in the Niger Delta region has contributed to an increase in attacks on oil facilities. The ongoing power struggle in Rivers State may have created an opportunity for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
Oil-producing states like Bayelsa and Rivers are highly dependent on crude oil revenues, and disruptions to oil production could have serious economic implications.
Security experts have urged the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to take proactive steps in safeguarding oil installations across the region.
Government’s Response to the Explosions
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and other oil operators have yet to make an official statement regarding the latest explosion. However, sources suggest that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast.
Meanwhile, local communities in Gbarain Kingdom have called for:
- Increased security presence around oil pipelines
- Compensation for damages caused by the explosion
- Better safety measures to prevent future incidents
Environmental activists have also warned that repeated pipeline explosions could have severe consequences on the ecosystem, agriculture, and public health.
A Call for Stability and Security
The recent pipeline explosion in Gbarain Kingdom comes at a time of heightened political and security tensions in the Niger Delta. With Governor Fubara’s suspension and the appointment of an administrator, the political situation in Rivers State remains uncertain.
As the federal government works to restore order in Rivers State, it must also prioritize the protection of oil infrastructure, address environmental concerns, and ensure that local communities are not left vulnerable in the midst of political and economic uncertainty.
