Third Explosion in a Week: Rivers State Oil Facilities Under Siege Amid Emergency Rule
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Barely a week after a catastrophic explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another devastating blast has struck the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area. This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in the state within seven days, raising alarm over the safety of critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots non-governmental organization with extensive networks across the region, confirmed the latest incident on Sunday. According to a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the explosion occurred early in the morning and was accompanied by massive fireballs visible in the sky. The fire continues to rage as of the time of this report.
The Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, has become the latest casualty in a series of incidents that have left the region on edge. The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or even deliberate attacks.
This string of explosions comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, declared a six-month state of emergency in the state, citing the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to protect vital oil infrastructure. The President also suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Deputy Governor, and Governor Fubara himself. The decision followed threats from youths in a viral video warning against the governor’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion, urging 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,” the organization stated.
The recent explosions have intensified concerns over the deteriorating state of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, a region already grappling with environmental degradation and security challenges. Stakeholders are now calling for enhanced security measures and a thorough investigation to prevent further incidents.
