Barely a week after an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area (LGA), another blast has occurred—this time at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA, Rivers State.
The latest incident has intensified concerns over the security of oil installations in the region.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the explosion on Sunday, raising alarm over the repeated threats to oil infrastructure in Rivers State.
According to YEAC-Nigeria’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, local youth volunteers reported the early morning blast at the Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
“Flames and thick smoke were visible from the facility, and the fire is still burning at the time of this report,” YEAC-Nigeria stated.
However, accessing the site remains difficult, and the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.
Authorities have yet to establish the exact cause of the explosion. Possible factors being considered include:
- Equipment failure
- Sabotage
- Deliberate attack
This marks the third major explosion in Rivers State within a week, raising serious security concerns.
- The first explosion occurred in Ogoni.
- The second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu referenced these incidents during his March 18 nationwide broadcast, where he announced a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
As part of his response, the President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing their failure to protect critical oil infrastructure.
YEAC-Nigeria has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to uncover the cause of the explosion.
“Those responsible must be held accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the group stated, demanding urgent measures to curb the escalating attacks on oil facilities.
