Barely a week after a massive explosion hit 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 environmental organization active in the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC revealed that its youth volunteers reported an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility 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.”

While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, speculations point to several possible factors, including:

  • Equipment failure
  • Sabotage
  • A deliberate attack

This incident marks the third oil-related explosion in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The latter was referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide broadcast, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

Following these incidents, President Tinubu also announced the suspension of:

  • The Rivers State House of Assembly
  • Deputy Governor
  • Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing his alleged failure to protect critical oil infrastructure.

The suspension came amid growing tensions, including threats from some youth groups in a viral video warning against the impeachment of Governor Fubara.

In response to the Soku explosion, YEAC-Nigeria has demanded an immediate investigation into the incident. The group has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause of the explosion.

“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the statement concluded.

As authorities work to contain the fire and determine the cause, the latest explosion raises further concerns over the security of oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________