Just days after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, 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 organization active in the Niger Delta region, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the group said the explosion occurred early in the morning and was reported by its network of youth volunteers.
According to the statement, a loud explosion followed by fireballs was observed in the sky above the area.
The fire was still burning at the time of the report, according to VANGUARD.
The facility is operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and is reportedly difficult to access.
The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown, though there is speculation about possible equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
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This marks the third explosion at oil and gas facilities in Rivers State within a week.
The first occurred in Ogoni, and the second in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 national broadcast, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.
In response to these developments, the President announced the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing alleged failure to safeguard critical oil infrastructure.
The decision came shortly after a viral video surfaced, in which some youths threatened to resist any attempt to impeach the governor.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the Soku explosion and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to carry out a Joint Investigation Visit to determine the cause of the incident.
The group also emphasized that those responsible must be brought to justice in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
