Barely a week after an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, another blast has struck the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the latest explosion in a statement on Sunday, raising fresh concerns over the escalating incidents at oil facilities in the region.
According to YEAC Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the group received reports from its youth volunteers about an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
“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,” YEAC stated.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with speculations ranging from equipment failure, sabotage or a deliberate attack.
This marks the third explosion in Rivers State in less than a week, following:
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The Ogoni pipeline blast in Gokana
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The Oga/Egbema/Ndoni explosion, which was referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address declaring a six-month state of emergency in the state.
The President also took drastic action by suspending the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing his alleged failure to protect oil infrastructure. This decision followed threats by some youths in a viral video warning against the governor’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the explosion and hold perpetrators accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
With oil facility attacks on the rise, stakeholders are demanding swift action to prevent further disruptions to Nigeria’s energy sector and protect critical infrastructure.
