Explosion Rocks NNPCL Flow Stations In Rivers State, Several Feared Dead.
A devastating explosion has torn through two flow stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) near the Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State, with several individuals feared dead. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, 20 February 2025, has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns over safety and infrastructure in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.
The affected facilities are situated close to the boundary between Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) and Degema LGA, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Bonny coastline. Eyewitnesses reported that the blast ignited a massive fire, engulfing both flow stations in flames. Video footage circulating online, captured by local residents aboard a speedboat, showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the site as the inferno raged uncontrollably.
Details surrounding the cause of the explosion remain unclear at this early stage, but initial reports suggest it may be linked to operational or security challenges common in the oil-producing region. The Niger Delta has long been plagued by pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, and equipment failures, often resulting in catastrophic incidents. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, though sources on the ground indicate that the toll could be significant.
Military personnel, reportedly escorting NNPCL staff, were seen arriving at the scene shortly after the explosion, fuelling speculation that the company is scrambling to assess the damage and secure the area. “It was chaos,” said one local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “The flames were so high you could see them from miles away. We don’t know how many people were caught in it, but it doesn’t look good.”
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been informed of the incident, and emergency response teams are said to be mobilising to contain the situation. The NNPCL has not yet released an official statement, but the presence of company personnel suggests an urgent investigation is underway.
This tragedy comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s oil industry, where ageing infrastructure and lax safety regulations have repeatedly led to fatal accidents. Just last month, a tanker explosion in northern Nigeria claimed dozens of lives, underscoring the persistent risks tied to the country’s petroleum sector.
The incident has also reignited debates over the environmental and human cost of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, with activists urging the government and oil companies to prioritise safety and accountability. For now, the people of Rivers State mourn the potential loss of life, hoping for clarity and relief in the hours ahead.
More details are expected to emerge as authorities and NNPCL officials continue their response efforts. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as new information becomes available.