- A third explosion struck the Soku oil facility in Rivers State, following two other blasts within the week, raising alarm over the safety of oil infrastructure.
- President Tinubu declared a six-month emergency in Rivers State and suspended the governor over failures to protect critical oil facilities.
- The ongoing fire at the Soku facility has led to urgent calls for an investigation and stronger security measures to prevent further incidents.
A week after the Trans Niger Pipeline explosion in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, another blast struck 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, March 23. YEAC’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, reported that youth volunteers heard an early morning explosion followed by fireballs at the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) facility.
“An explosion and fireballs lit up the sky from the facility area, which remains difficult to access. The fire still burns as of this report,” Fyneface said.
Authorities have yet to identify the exact cause of the explosion. Speculation points to possible equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack. This explosion marks the third time oil facilities in Rivers State have been hit within a week, heightening concerns about the state’s oil infrastructure.
The first blast occurred in Ogoni, and another followed in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. President Bola Tinubu addressed the second incident during his nationwide broadcast on March 18, when he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
President Tinubu responded to the growing security threat by suspending the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Allegations accuse the governor of failing to protect critical oil infrastructure.
Tensions escalated further when a viral video emerged, showing youths threatening repercussions if the governor faced impeachment.
The series of explosions alarmed stakeholders in the Niger Delta, a region grappling with environmental damage and security issues tied to oil production. The ongoing fire at the Soku facility prompted urgent calls for an investigation and enhanced security around the oil infrastructure.
Rivers State, which houses numerous oil facilities, faces increased explosions threatening the region’s fragile peace. Oil production, a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, now risks disruption, potentially harming the country’s energy supply and revenue.
The Niger Delta, Nigeria’s oil hub, also endures widespread environmental degradation caused by oil spills and gas flaring. Due to pollution, local communities have suffered losses in farmlands, fisheries, and livelihoods.
YEAC-Nigeria, an active advocate for environmental justice in the Niger Delta, consistently raises concerns over the lack of safety measures around oil facilities. The organisation calls on the federal government and oil companies to quickly prevent future incidents.
As the fire at the Soku facility continues, pressure grows on the government to boost security and safeguard Nigeria’s oil infrastructure from further attacks or accidents.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense. The recent explosions have sparked renewed concerns over the safety and sustainability of oil production in the Niger Delta. Stakeholders demand immediate government action and stronger oversight to protect critical infrastructure.