Tension As Another Explosion Rocks Pipeline in Rivers

A second major pipeline explosion has rocked the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, occurring just hours after a similar incident in Bodo, Gokana LGA.

The latest explosion struck a manifold connecting a federal pipeline in the Okwawriwa area on Tuesday morning, sending massive flames into the sky and raising fresh concerns about the safety of oil facilities in the region.

Another Explosion Rocks Pipeline

Another Explosion Rocks Pipeline in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State.

Ondo Assembly Summons Amotekun Commander On Security, Kidnapping

Ondo assembly summons Amotekun commander on security, Kidnapping. Presiding at a plenary session of the assembly on Tuesday, the speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, bemoaned the incessant kidnapping by bandits.

The Ondo State House of Assembly has summoned the commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, over the prevailing security challenges – particularly kidnapping in the state.

Aside from Mr Adeleye, the assembly also asked Gbenga Atiba, the senior special assistant (SSA), to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appear before the parliament next week.

Presiding at a plenary session of the assembly on Tuesday, the speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, bemoaned the incessant kidnapping by bandits.

Mr Oladiji said the activities of the bandits who are taking cover in the thick forest of the state are a source of concern and need to be addressed.

He also explained that the government and security agencies must work with traditional rulers to nib in the bud the activities of the bandits.

The speaker urged the government to look into the agitation for the creation of the state police and equip them with assorted weapons.

The majority leader of the assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, explained that the state, which was known for its relative peace, is gradually turning into a bandits zone.

Mr Ogunmolasuyi said it is the best time to equip the local security outfit to fight the incessant activities of bandits headlong.

Ondo Assembly Summons Amotekun

Earlier, Kolawole Ologede, the lawmaker representing Akure North LGA, said his constituents now live in fear and can no longer go about their normal business activities.

Mr Ologede asked the state government to rejig the security architecture of the state by ending incessant killings and kidnappings in his constituents.

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis and security threats.

In a national broadcast on March 18, 2025, Tinubu said governance in the state had collapsed following the demolition of the House of Assembly in December 2023 and the governor’s failure to restore legislative functions. The Supreme Court had also ruled that the state lacked a functioning government due to the ongoing crisis.

As part of emergency measures:
– Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers are suspended for six months.
– Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) is appointed as the Administrator to oversee governance.

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers

– The judiciary remains operational, and all emergency regulations will require Federal Executive Council approval.

The proclamation has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly. Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore peace, order, and democratic governance in Rivers State.