Another Explosion Rocks Soku Oil Facility in Rivers State
Port Harcourt – Barely a week after a major explosion at the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA, another explosion has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA, Rivers State.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the explosion through its youth volunteer network, stating that the fire is still ongoing at the time of this report.
“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is hard-to-reach,” said Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown, with possibilities ranging from equipment failure, sabotage, or an attack.
Third Incident in One Week Amid State of Emergency
This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State in less than a week. The first occurred in the Ogoni area, and the second in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, both referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide broadcast, where he declared a six-month state of emergency on Rivers State.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been urged to conduct an investigation to determine the cause and hold perpetrators accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Fresh Tensions as Niger Delta Militants Regroup
Tensions have escalated further following reports that Niger Delta militant leaders have reconvened in an undisclosed creek community, allegedly planning coordinated attacks on oil facilities.
Militant Threats Linked to Rivers State Emergency Rule
The gathering comes days after President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as part of the state of emergency measures.
Although details remain unclear, a reliable source revealed that militant leaders are working to mobilize various groups across the Niger Delta.
Security Officials Raise Alarm
Commander Bibi Oduku, the Commandant-General of Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), confirmed that the threat level in the Niger Delta is high. He urged President Tinubu to reconsider Governor Fubara’s suspension due to the risk of further unrest.
“Militant groups are planning to attack federal government properties across Niger Delta states,” he warned.
“This could lead to loss of lives among innocent citizens and military personnel deployed for peacekeeping.”
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Despite the rising threats, Oduku reassured that Riverine Security forces are working with military and security agencies to prevent attacks and apprehend perpetrators.
Security Forces Pledge Support
Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, responsible for the Rivers and Delta State waterways, have also pledged full cooperation with the military to restore calm in the region.
Oduku cited ex-Presidential Amnesty Boss, Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), who urged Niger Delta youths to avoid violence and respect the rule of law.
“President Tinubu does not support violence. Youths must refrain from unlawful acts that could harm lives and properties,” Boroh stated.
Oduku condemned the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, vowing that perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Explosion at Soku oil facility is the third major oil facility incident in Rivers State within a week.
🔹 Cause remains unknown – possibly equipment failure, sabotage, or an attack.
🔹 Militant leaders reportedly regrouping to launch attacks on oil facilities.
🔹 Security agencies on high alert as Riverine Security forces vow to prevent unrest.
🔹 President Tinubu urged to reconsider Rivers State emergency rule to ease tensions.
