Another Explosion Hits Gas Facility in Rivers State
Another Explosion Strikes Soku Oil Facility in Rivers State
Less than a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
According to Vanguard, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots environmental group active in the Niger Delta, confirmed the explosion on Sunday, March 23. The group’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, stated that its youth volunteers reported 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,” Dr. Fyneface said.
The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with speculation pointing to possible equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
Third Explosion in Less Than a Week
This marks the third oil facility explosion in Rivers State within a week. The first incident occurred in Ogoni, followed by another in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide broadcast, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. In response to the ongoing crisis, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor’s alleged failure to protect vital oil infrastructure.
The decision came after a viral video showed some youths threatening unrest if Governor Fubara was impeached.
Call for Investigation
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion, urging 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 group stated.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest explosion.
Another Explosion Hits Gas Facility in Rivers State
