Another explosion has hit Rivers State, marking the third oil facility blast in one week. With political tensions high and oil infrastructure under attack, the situation remains dire. Read full details here.
Barely a week after an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another massive blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, further escalating concerns over oil facility safety and security in the region.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a prominent Niger Delta-based non-governmental organization, confirmed the latest explosion on Sunday, March 24, 2025, describing it as a dangerous development requiring urgent intervention.
According to a statement signed by YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, local youth volunteers reported hearing a powerful explosion at the Soku oil facility, which is operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
“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 statement read.
The exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain, but initial suspicions suggest it could be linked to one of the following factors:
Equipment failure due to poor maintenance.
Sabotage by aggrieved militants or oil thieves.
A deliberate attack amid ongoing political unrest in Rivers State.
This marks the third explosion in Rivers State in less than a week. The first incident occurred in Ogoni, while the second explosion rocked the Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Notably, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu referenced the second blast in his March 18 nationwide broadcast, where he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, citing threats to critical oil infrastructure.
The President’s controversial decision also led to the unprecedented suspension of:
The Rivers State House of Assembly
The Deputy Governor
Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Critics argue that the suspension was politically motivated, especially given the long-standing power tussle between Governor Fubara and factions loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. However, the Presidency insists the move was necessary to prevent total anarchy and further economic sabotage.
Following the explosion at the Soku facility, YEAC-Nigeria has demanded a comprehensive investigation. The NGO has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to immediately conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause and scale of the damage.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” YEAC emphasized.
With these repeated explosions, oil companies and security agencies are now on high alert. If left unchecked, the situation could not only cripple oil production but also exacerbate environmental degradation and worsen Nigeria’s economic challenges.
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