Less than a week after a massive explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly hit the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with extensive networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC revealed that its youth volunteers reported an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility, which is operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
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The statement noted: “A loud explosion, followed by fireballs visible in the sky, was observed in the facility’s vicinity, which is difficult to access. As of the time of this report, the fire is still burning.”
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, with speculations pointing to possible equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
This incident marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. President Bola Tinubu referenced the latter in his March 18 nationwide address, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
Following these events, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor’s alleged failure to safeguard critical oil infrastructure. This decision came after a viral video showed some youths issuing warnings against Fubara’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the Soku explosion, urging the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to carry out a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.
“The perpetrators of this act must be held accountable in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” the statement concluded.
