An explosion that struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) at Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, has drawn locals out of their silence with many voicing their fears for the uncertainty that lies ahead.

The TNP is operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and it is a critical infrastructure in Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem. The TNP is a major conduit for oil fueling suspicion that it could be an act of sabotage.

The recent political impasse in the state which pitted Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister and Governor Sim Fubara has caused palpable tension in the state with some militants recently threatening to blow up pipelines in solidarity with Fubara whom they believed was being politically victimized.

Political Economist NG recalls that the TNP has frequently been targeted by militants and illegal bunkerers in that axis, causing severe economic strain on the nation.

The explosion which occurred on Monday night along the TNP which transports crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, one of Nigeria’s major crude export hubs, has put the natives on high alert mode.