Another explosion has rocked a gas facility in Rivers State, barely a week after a similar incident occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. The latest explosion happened at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, raising concerns over the frequency of such incidents in the region.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a local non-governmental organization, confirmed the explosion on Sunday. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the group noted that its youth volunteers in the area reported the early morning blast at the Soku facility, which is operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
According to the statement: “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.”
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown. However, there are speculations that it could have been caused by equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
This marks the third explosion in Rivers State in less than a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, followed by another in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The incidents have drawn national attention, with President Bola Tinubu referencing the situation during his March 18 nationwide address. In response to the crisis, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing his alleged inability to safeguard oil infrastructure.
The suspension came amid growing political tensions in the state. A viral video recently surfaced, showing some youths issuing threats over the possible impeachment of Governor Fubara. The situation has added to the instability in the oil-rich region, where conflicts over resources and governance have long been a challenge.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the Soku explosion. The organization 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.
