News
Another Pipeline Bursts
Another Pipeline Bursts
…Trans Niger Pipeline eruption in B-Dere community in Ogoniland
By: Michael Mike
The Trans Niger Pipeline erupted and triggered streams of crude oil flowing through B-Dere community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident happened on May 6th, 2025, and the cause of the explosion is said to be equipment failure.
Recalled that a similar explosion occurred in the Bodo community on the 17th of March 2025, which caused a massive fire that spread through the mangroves.
These spils show very clearly the massive risks the communities will be exposed to if the desire of the federal government to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland happens. Many of the B-Dere community people have been internally displaced while those already impacted by the spill are living in fear over the health and safety.
On a visit by HOMEF team along with other CSOs a visit to the spill site, we met distressed indigenes of the community who expressed the high level of pain and a sense of exposure and abandonment.
The woman leader of the community, Chief Mrs Augustina Biebie, stated that the level of restlessness in the community has only worsened. “The spill brought crude oil into houses of many of our people. The thick smell of crude oil has affected our health. Breathing has become a problem, and it has become difficult to even feed because some of us cannot light fires in our kitchens.”
Pastor Kpobari Bani, whose house was affected, stated that “Since this incident started, I have not been able to cook for fear of explosion. My mother has been displaced and has moved to a neighbour’s house for fear of the explosion. Shell said it has sold to Renaissance Oil, who now owns the pipeline. So we call on them to come and stop the spill. We also call on the government and other relevant authorities to come to our aid and bring remedy to the land.”
The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey expressed disappointment over the level of neglect to communities.
“We are in a disaster zone and further disasters can erupt from even an accidental a spark of fire. The slow response of government and oil companies underscores the lack of care for the people and the environment. This level of laxity is absolutely unconscionable. The fact that this spill that happened a week ago is yet to be stopped sends a very strong point to why government should focus on cleaning up Ogoniland and not seek to open new oil wells. The old wells should be shut down, and decommissioned. Our communities must not continue to be sacrificed on the altar of petrodollars.”
Bassey further calls on all relevant authorities to move into action to curtail the spread of the flowing crude.
“The government cannot be silent at a time as this. This is a time when all agencies should be here to stop halting the shit down the pipeline, stop the pollution and carry out urgent clean up and remediation. We call on NOSDRA, NESRA, MENA and HYPREP to move into swift action to stem the unfolding ecological and human crises.”
Also, Celestine Akpobari, an environmental activist, stated that “This is one of the reasons why we have rejected the idea of restarting oil exploitation in Ogoni. The exploitation has not started, but the situation is becoming more volatile with spills of this nature. This is supposed to be a remediation site, but as you can see it is an ecological crime scene. We are afraid that if this is not properly contained, the damage will be far worse than what we see.”
HOMEF calls for a swift action to plug the leakage, remediate the land and carry out a thorough health audit on the exposed people of the community. Government must show that they care for the people and the environment. Aged oil facilities should be decommissioned and retired, and all alleged divestments should be nullified to ensure that those who have made our communities literal land mines do not walk away from accountability.
Another Pipeline Bursts
Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapon in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle during a military operation in Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation took place on May 15 at about 10:00 p.m. in Nemaledu village, Gimbi District, Wase Local Government Area of the state.
The sources said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at a known crossing point used by the bandits.
“During the operation, the troops made contact with the bandits and in the ensuing exchange of fire, neutralised two of them.
“One fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from the neutralised bandits,” said the source.
Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapon in Plateau
NAF Obliterates Terrorist Enclave, Kill scores of ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has successfully conducted a precision air interdiction mission that neutralised scores of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed key logistics structures in the Timbuktu Triangle general area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the airstrike took place on Thursday at approximately 1500 hours, targeting a known terrorist enclave in Chiraliya within the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious ISWAP stronghold.
“Acting on credible intelligence and real-time surveillance, our platforms conducted a deliberate and highly coordinated air interdiction at the Chiraliya terrorists’ hideout,”the sources said.
“We achieved direct hits on multiple targets, including makeshift shelters, logistics stores, and enemy movement corridors.” he said.
The source explained that the Battle damage assessment revealed the effective neutralisation of several terrorist fighters and the destruction of critical infrastructure supporting their operations.
Survivors are observed abandoning positions and blending into the forest, indicating heavy losses and a successful disruption of their operational momentum,” he noted.
“The ISR footage clearly showed secondary explosions, indicating the presence of arms and fuel depots, while fleeing terrorists were tracked and eliminated through follow-on engagements,” the sources added.
The operation, part of sustained offensive air campaigns under OPHK, was aimed at disrupting ISWAP’s capacity to regroup and launch attacks on troops and civilian communities in the region.
NAF Obliterates Terrorist Enclave, Kill scores of ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle
News
IOM Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering with Media, Other Stakeholders to Addree Nigeria’s Migration Challenges
IOM Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering with Media, Other Stakeholders to Addree Nigeria’s Migration Challenges
By: Michael Mike
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with media organisations and other stakeholders to address migration challenges in the country.
The reaffirmation was given on Thursday by the organisation’s, Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, during her maiden parley with journalists in Abuja.
Dimanche emphasised that knowledge sharing on IOM’s strategic priorities could help address migration issues more effectively through media collaboration.
She said: “There are many initiatives aimed at addressing migration challenges.
“IOM’s role is to simplify these initiatives and partner with key stakeholders to tackle migration issues head-on.”
Dimanche highlighted the importance of communication as a strategic starting point, while stressing the need to equip young people with the right skills and knowledge to make informed migration decisions.
“How do we train and prepare our youthful population? Do they have the right skills and knowledge? How do we ensure they have proper visas, so that those migrating from one region to another can do so safely and legally?” she asked.
She noted that ensuring safe migration was not only the responsibility of countries of origin, but also of destination countries, describing it as a “win-win for all.”
Referring to initiatives such as “Europe-Africa for Africa,” she said that the aim was to raise awareness about visa options and promote sustainable migration solutions.
“When we work closely with the media and the Federal Government, we can provide young people with accurate and useful information. Together, we can achieve our shared goals,” she said.
Dimanche acknowledged that while addressing migration challenges required strategic efforts, success was achievable through collaboration.
“All hands must be on deck to promote safe migration, which benefits everyone,” she added.
She also commended the Nigerian government for its proactive stance against irregular migration and pledged continued IOM support.
“We can contribute by helping intra-African migrants access resources in their own countries and ensure that migration is conducted safely.
“There is political will in Nigeria, and we’re here to support the government, media, and private sector,” she said.
IOM Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering with Media, Other Stakeholders to Addree Nigeria’s Migration Challenges
Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapon in Plateau
NAF Obliterates Terrorist Enclave, Kill scores of ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle
Another Pipeline Bursts
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