Third Oil Facility Explosion Rocks Rivers State: Soku Oil Facility Hit by Blast Amid Rising Tensions

Barely a week after a major explosion struck the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, another blast has occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident on Sunday, citing reports from its network of youth volunteers across the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the group detailed the severity of the explosion:
“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was seen in the sky near the facility, which is difficult to access. The fire is still burning as of the time of this report.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, has yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though possible reasons include equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.

This marks the third oil facility explosion in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The Oga explosion was mentioned by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, where he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.