Less than a week after a major explosion occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another explosion has reportedly struck the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with strong networks across the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC stated that it received reports from its youth volunteers about an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
According to the statement, “An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to reach. The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report.”
The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or a deliberate attack.
This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State in less than a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second was in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, an incident referenced by Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide broadcast while declaring a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
Following these incidents, the Tinubu suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing his alleged failure to protect oil infrastructure. The decision followed threats by some youths in a viral video warning against Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion. The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the statement concluded.
Additionally, recent news reports highlight growing concerns over security and governance issues in the region. Former Local Government Chairman has challenged El-Rufai’s claims of non-interference in council funds, while in another incident, a Police Inspector went berserk, killing one person, injuring two others, and holding colleagues hostage in Calabar. Meanwhile, the police have successfully secured the release of an abducted Anambra Reverend Father after a fierce battle with gunmen.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has also issued a warning to Nigerians on the proper disposal of batteries to prevent environmental hazards.
As tensions continue to rise in Rivers State, stakeholders and advocacy groups are urging swift government intervention to address the growing security threats and infrastructural risks posed by these repeated explosions.
