Another Explosion Hits Gas Facility in Rivers State

• The  cause of the explosion at the Soku oil facility in Rivers State remains uncertain
• Last week a major explosion occured on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo
• The incident marks the third explosion at oil facilities in the state within a week

Just a week after a major explosion occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly struck the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Eko Hot Blog reports.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with a strong presence across the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday.

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In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC reported receiving information from youth volunteers about 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.”

As the cause of the recent explosion at the Soku oil facility in Rivers State remains uncertain, various theories have emerged, including equipment failure, sabotage, and deliberate attack.

The incident marks the third explosion at oil facilities in the state within a week, following explosions in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

In response to these incidents, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, citing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged failure to protect oil infrastructure.

The President subsequently suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Fubara.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (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.

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

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