Another Explosion Reported at Oil Facility in Rivers State
Following the recent explosion at the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, another blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a well-known advocacy group in the Niger Delta, confirmed the incident.
In a statement released on Sunday, the organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, shared that their network of youth volunteers in the region had reported the explosion.
“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to access. The fire was still burning at the time of this report,” the statement noted.
While the cause of the explosion remains unknown, experts speculate that it could be linked to equipment failure, sabotage, or a targeted attack.
This marks the third explosion in Rivers State within a week, with previous incidents occurring in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas. President Bola Tinubu referenced these incidents in his March 18 national address when he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the explosion and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause. The group also emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports suggest that militant leaders in the Niger Delta have secretly met in an undisclosed creek location to strategize attacks on oil facilities. This development has heightened security concerns in the region.
The meeting reportedly took place shortly after President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared a state of emergency in the state.
Although details remain limited, a credible source disclosed that the militants are working to unite various groups in the region and are actively consulting with influential leaders.
Commander Bibi Oduku, the head of the Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation), warned that these developments could have severe economic consequences for Nigeria.
“I urge President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of the Rivers State governor due to the increasing threats in the Niger Delta. If militant groups proceed with their plans, it could significantly impact national security and economic stability,” Oduku cautioned.
He added that some groups may target federal government assets across the Niger Delta, while others might exploit the situation for criminal activities, potentially leading to the loss of lives, including security personnel.
Despite the looming threats, Oduku assured the public that security forces are on high alert. He confirmed that riverine security officers are working alongside the Nigerian military and other agencies to prevent attacks and apprehend those responsible for acts of sabotage.
Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, who oversee waterways in Rivers and Delta States, have pledged their support to security agencies in maintaining peace in the region.
Oduku also referenced a recent appeal by former Presidential Amnesty Coordinator Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), urging Niger Delta youths not to resort to violence.
He condemned the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, vowing that security forces would bring those responsible to justice.
As tensions rise, Oduku urged the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to embrace peace and allow legal processes to address any grievances.
