Barely a week after an explosion hit the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, another blast has struck the Soku oil facility.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the explosion on Sunday through its grassroots network in the Niger Delta.
YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, stated that youth volunteers reported fireballs and explosions at the NLNG-operated facility.
“The explosion, followed by fireballs, was seen in the sky from the facility area, which remains difficult to access,” he said.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown, with speculations including equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
This marks the third oil facility explosion in Rivers State within one week, raising concerns over oil infrastructure security.
President Bola Tinubu referenced a similar blast in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni while declaring a six-month state of emergency.
Following these incidents, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
YEAC-Nigeria has urged NOSDRA to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the explosion.
“The perpetrators must be held accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” the statement concluded.
