A week after a major explosion occurred on the Trans-Niger pipeline in Rivers State, another blast hit the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area on Sunday evening.
The facility, operated by Nigeria Liqueous Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, is the latest to be affected by the escalating violence in the region.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed: “explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area.“.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it is believed to be the third incident in less than a week, following blasts in the Ogoni area and the Oga/Egbama/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, called for an investigation into the incident, urging the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a joint investigation visit to the area. “Perpetrators of this crime must be held to account, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” he stated.
The explosion has reignited apprehension in the region.
Commander Bibi Oduku, Commandant General of the Riverine Security, warned of “high threats in the Niger Delta and probable impact on Nigeria’s economy.” He urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara who was democratically elected in 2023 but is now suspended by what many see as the president’s overreach of his emergency powers.
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