Less than a week after a massive explosion affected the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, another explosion is said to have damaged the Soku oil complex in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with extensive networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with extensive networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday.
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.”
The cause of the blast is unknown, with theories ranging from equipment failure, sabotage, and deliberate attack.
This is the third explosion at Rivers State’s oil facilities in less than a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second occurred in the Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, an occurrence mentioned by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 countrywide broadcast while imposing a six-month state of emergency in Rivers.
Following these incidents, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alleging his negligence to secure the oil infrastructure.
The decision followed threats made by certain youths in a viral video opposing Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria has demanded an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion. The organisation called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to investigate the reason.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the statement concluded.
