Emmanuel OchayiAn explosion has hit the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. The blast, which occurred early Sunday morning, has raised fresh concerns about oil facility safety in the Niger Delta.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), an NGO monitoring environmental issues in the region, confirmed the incident. According to YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, youth volunteers in the area reported the explosion, which was followed by a massive fire.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“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,” YEAC stated.
Third Explosion in Less Than a Week
The Soku explosion is the third of its kind in Rivers State in less than a week. A similar blast occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. Another explosion took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, an event referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his recent nationwide address.
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Following these repeated incidents, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. He also suspended the state’s governor, deputy governor, and the House of Assembly, citing failure to protect vital oil infrastructure.
The decision followed threats from some youths in a viral video warning against Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s impeachment. The link between these political tensions and the explosions remains unclear.
Call for Investigation and Accountability
YEAC-Nigeria has urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the cause of the explosion at the Soku oil facility. The group specifically called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine what triggered the blast.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the group’s statement read.
As the fire continues to burn, there is growing concern about the environmental and economic impact of repeated explosions at oil facilities. Experts warn that if urgent action is not taken, oil production and community safety in the region could be at risk.
Authorities Yet to Release Official Statement
At the time of this report, neither Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, which operates the Soku oil facility, nor government agencies had issued a statement on the incident.
Residents and industry observers are waiting for official updates on whether the explosion was caused by sabotage, equipment failure, or other factors. Meanwhile, environmental activists continue to call for stricter safety measures at oil facilities to prevent further disasters.
