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Pipeline Explosion: Death Toll Rises To 10 …MEND Claims Responsbility
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Taye Haruna, Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam and Retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, during the inaugural meeting with officials of T.Y. Holdings Limited and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation on private sector participation in the management of National Parks in Nigeria in Abuja, recently. Photo: Nan
The death toll in the Petrol explosion that occurred Sunday at a Creek near a jetty of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Okrika, Rivers State is said to have risen to ten as three were said to be recovered at the scene on Monday.
An eye witness told The Tide that the three corpses which were burnt beyond recognition were carried by some persons to an unknown destination, apparently for burial.
When The Tide visited the area Monday, some persons in the area relieved their experiences during the ugly incident.
Aminu Abdullahi, said the explosion jotted the residents and because of the numerous pipes conveying fragile petrol, there was fear that the entire area might be engulfed.
Abdullahi who is a motor cyclist in the area said, “we moved away from Okrika entirely to Eleme and watched the development for hours “it was confirmed that the explosion and the attendant fire did not even get to Okrika jetty that we resumed operations”, he said.
A trader Judith Eze, who operates in Okrika said on hearing the explosion, the first thing that came to her mind was that the Boko Haram Sect had struck.
“You remember, the sect threatened that it would bomb refineries and Abuja. So when I hear that there was explosion at the Port Harcourt refinery, I said , Oh! They have come”, he said.
Miss Eze who operates a restaurant near the refinery said she quickly closed her shop and started packing some of her important items and lifted to Eleme, where, after some hours, it was confirmed that Boko Haram were not the mastermind.
It would be recalled that explosion occurred Sunday at a Creek near the jetty of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Okrika, killing about seven persons and injuring unconfirmed persons who are now receiving treatment in undisclosed clinics.
However, the Movement for the emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has claimed responsibility for the incident.
MEND said in an online statement signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo that the attack was in view of President Goodluck Jonathan’s inaction on issues bordering on Niger Delta development.
The militant group said its men in collaborations with some NNPC staff carried out the attack and that such attack on the oil industry would continue until justice is done to the Niger Delta course by the Federal Government.
“The facility was infiltrated by a few of our fighters with the aid of our internal agents within the NNPC contrary to speculation that the sabotage was carried out by pipeline vandals and oil thieves”,, the statement explained.
It said that investigation would reveal that the bomb fragments are the same as the one used in the Warri Refinery explosion of Tuesday 22nd October 2013.
“We will persist with our attack in the Nigerian oil industry, due to the inactions of President Goodluck Jonathan who continues to rally on an unsustainable and fraudulent Niger Delta Amnesty Programme”, said MEND.
Meanwhile, NNPC has denied that any explosion occurred at its jetty at Okrika.
The Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Ohi Alegbe said Fridays from the Corporation’s prelimary investigation revealed that the fire was as a result of the activities of oil thieves who broke pipelines in the Creek near the jetty.
It said non of the corporation’s officers were enjoined or dead and condoled families those who lost their lives as a result of the activities of the oil thieves.
It urged the community leaders in the area to prevail on their children and wards to refrain from sabotaging the government.
Chris Oluoh
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
