Less than a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another explosion has reportedly struck the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with strong networks across the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday.
Explosion at Soku Oil Facility
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC stated that it received reports from its youth volunteers about an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
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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 cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or a deliberate attack.
Rising Security Concerns in Rivers State
This 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—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide broadcast while declaring a six-month state of emergency in the state.
Following these incidents, President Tinubu suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor’s alleged failure to protect oil infrastructure. The decision came after a viral video surfaced in which some youths issued threats warning against Fubara’s impeachment.
YEAC Calls for Urgent Investigation
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the Soku explosion. The group urged 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,” YEAC stated.
Wider Security Challenges in the Region
The explosion adds to rising tensions in the Niger Delta, with concerns over security and governance growing in recent weeks.
In a related development, a former Local Government Chairman has publicly challenged claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that he did not interfere in council funds. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a Police Inspector in Calabar went berserk, killing one person, injuring two others, and holding colleagues hostage before being subdued.
Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force recently secured the release of an abducted Anambra Reverend Father after a fierce gun battle with kidnappers.
Amid these security threats, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians on the proper disposal of batteries to prevent environmental hazards.
Government Urged to Take Action
With repeated explosions affecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, advocacy groups and stakeholders are urging swift intervention from the federal government. There are growing calls for increased security measures, transparency in oil facility management, and stricter enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act to prevent further incidents.
