By Parrot Newspaper 
Another Explosion Hits Soku Oil Facility in Rivers State
Third Oil Facility Explosion in Rivers State Sparks Outrage, Investigation
Barely a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another devastating blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a prominent grassroots NGO operating in the Niger Delta, confirmed the latest incident on Sunday. According to a statement by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the explosion occurred in the early hours of the morning, sending fireballs into the sky.
> “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,” YEAC stated.
The Soku oil facility is operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, one of the major players in the country’s energy sector.
Rising Oil Facility Explosions in Rivers State: A Troubling Trend
This marks the third explosion at an oil facility in Rivers State within a week.
1. The first occurred in Ogoni, affecting the Trans Niger Pipeline.
2. The second struck Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu during his March 18 nationwide broadcast.
3. Now, the Soku oil facility has suffered a similar fate.
The frequency of these explosions has raised serious concerns about the safety of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, with many calling for urgent intervention.
Possible Causes: Equipment Failure, Sabotage, or Deliberate Attack?
At this stage, the cause of the explosion remains unknown, but experts and local stakeholders have pointed to several possibilities:
Equipment failure due to poor maintenance of aging infrastructure.
Sabotage by militants or illegal oil refiners.
Deliberate attacks linked to political or economic disputes.
The repeated attacks on oil facilities in Rivers State have worsened fears of instability in Nigeria’s oil-producing region, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
Following these escalating incidents, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and took drastic steps, including:
Suspending the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
Citing the state government’s failure to protect oil infrastructure as the primary reason.
The move has sparked political tension, especially after some youths issued threats in a viral video warning against Governor Fubara’s impeachment.
YEAC-Nigeria Calls for Investigation, Accountability Under PIA 2021
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion and has urged 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 NGO stated.
The PIA 2021 was enacted to reform Nigeria’s oil sector, ensuring transparency, environmental responsibility, and strict penalties for oil-related crimes. However, its enforcement remains a challenge.
What Happens Next?
With three major explosions in quick succession, concerns are growing over the safety of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. Security agencies, environmental activists, and industry stakeholders are demanding:
Thorough investigations to uncover the real cause of the explosions.
Stronger security measures to protect oil facilities.
Strict enforcement of the PIA 2021 to hold culprits accountable.
As the fires from these explosions still burn, the fate of Rivers State’s oil-rich communities hangs in the balance. Will the government take decisive action, or will this trend of oil facility attacks continue unchecked?
Stay updated with Parrot Newspaper for breaking developments on this story.