Another pipeline explosion rocks Rivers, days after trans Niger blast

Just days after a massive explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, another pipeline blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The incident was confirmed on Sunday by the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots environmental group focused on the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC revealed that its youth volunteers in the area reported the early morning explosion at the Soku facility, which is 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.”
The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.

This marks the third explosion at an oil facility in Rivers State within a week. The first was in Ogoni, while the second occurred in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, where he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.

In response, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing alleged failure to protect vital oil infrastructure.

The decision followed threats made in a viral video by some youths warning against the impeachment of Governor Fubara.

YEAC-Nigeria has urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the explosion at the Soku facility. The group also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.

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