Less than a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA.  

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with deep networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the incident on Sunday.  

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC revealed that its youth volunteers reported an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility, 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 latest explosion remains unclear, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or a deliberate attack.  

This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.  

In response to the escalating crisis, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor’s alleged failure to protect vital oil infrastructure. This decision followed a viral video in which some youths issued threats over Fubara’s possible impeachment.  

YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion. The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.