RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA – Barely a week after a major explosion rocked 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.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots non-governmental organization with a strong presence in the Niger Delta, confirmed the explosion on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the organization said it received reports from its youth volunteers about an early morning explosion at the 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’s statement read.
Unclear Cause and Speculations
The exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain. Speculations range from equipment failure and sabotage to a deliberate attack. Investigators have yet to determine whether the explosion resulted from technical faults or external interference.
This incident 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.
The latter was referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
Government Response and Political Fallout
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing their alleged failure to protect critical oil infrastructure.
The decision followed threats made by some youths in a viral video, warning against Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
The suspension of the state’s leadership has sparked political tensions, with critics questioning whether the federal government’s actions were solely in response to the security challenges or part of a broader political strategy.
Calls for Investigation
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the explosion at the Soku oil facility. The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the incident.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the statement concluded.
With repeated explosions at key oil facilities, the safety and security of Nigeria’s vital energy infrastructure remain a growing concern.
Industry stakeholders and security agencies are expected to take swift action to prevent further incidents and ensure accountability for any deliberate acts of sabotage.
As investigations continue, the people of Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region anxiously await answers and effective measures to curb future attacks on the country’s oil infrastructure.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
