Barely days after an explosion hit the Trans Niger Pipeline in Gokana, Rivers State, another blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, further escalating concerns over the region's safety and stability.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a prominent grassroots NGO, confirmed the incident on Sunday, March 23.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the group revealed that its network of youth volunteers reported an early morning explosion at the facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
“Fireballs were seen lighting up the sky, accompanied by a loud explosion. The blaze is still ongoing as of now,” Fyneface stated.
While the exact cause remains unclear, speculations point to possible equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
This marks the third explosion within a week at oil facilities in Rivers State. The first incident occurred in Ogoni, followed by another in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area — an event referenced by President Bola Tinubu during his March 18 nationwide address, where he declared a state of emergency in the state.
The President subsequently suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, citing their alleged failure to safeguard critical oil infrastructure. This decision came shortly after a viral video showed youths warning against Fubara’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria has demanded an urgent investigation into the latest Soku explosion, calling on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to uncover the cause.
“Those responsible must face justice under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” the NGO’s statement emphasized.
The rising frequency of explosions has left communities in fear, while environmentalists warn of worsening ecological damage and a potential surge in oil theft and violence.
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