Just a week after a devastating explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a well-known grassroots environmental watchdog in the Niger Delta, raised the alarm about this latest incident, emphasizing the potential environmental and security risks.
Explosion Reported at NLNG-Operated Facility
According to YEAC-Nigeria, the explosion occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the Soku oil facility, which is operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. The organization confirmed the development through its network of community-based youth volunteers monitoring oil-producing regions.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, reported that residents in the vicinity heard a loud explosion, followed by a massive fireball illuminating the night sky.
“The explosion was accompanied by flames that could be seen from a distance. The affected site remains difficult to access, and the fire was still burning at the time of this report,” the statement noted.
The cause of the incident remains uncertain. However, initial speculations suggest that it could have resulted from equipment failure, sabotage, or a coordinated attack on the facility.
This marks the third major explosion in Rivers State within a week, following similar incidents in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The repeated attacks have heightened tensions, especially after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu referenced them in his March 18 nationwide address, where he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
YEAC-Nigeria Demands Investigation and Accountability
In response to the growing crisis, YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the Soku facility explosion. The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the root cause and ensure compliance with environmental safety regulations.
YEAC-Nigeria also emphasized that those responsible for the explosion—whether due to negligence or deliberate sabotage—must be held accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which outlines strict penalties for oil-related infractions.
Rising Tensions: Niger Delta Militants Plan Fresh Attacks
Amid the series of pipeline explosions, a confidential security report has revealed that militant leaders in the Niger Delta have secretly reconvened in an undisclosed creek location to strategize and coordinate fresh attacks on oil installations.
The intelligence suggests that the militants are seeking to rally support from various armed groups across the region, raising fears of renewed hostilities that could disrupt Nigeria’s oil production and worsen economic instability.
This clandestine meeting reportedly took place just days after President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and imposed emergency rule on the state. Analysts fear that the growing unrest in the region could spiral into a full-blown crisis if not urgently addressed.
Security Experts Sound the Alarm
Confirming the security threat, Commander Bibi Oduku, the Commandant-General of Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), warned that the resurgence of militant activities could have severe economic consequences for Nigeria.
“I strongly urge President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his decision regarding the suspension of the Rivers State governor due to the increasing security threats in the Niger Delta. If these threats are not contained, they could lead to devastating attacks on federal government properties, oil infrastructure, and innocent civilians,” Oduku cautioned.
He further expressed concerns that criminal elements could exploit the volatile situation to engage in illegal activities, vandalism, and attacks on security forces, potentially leading to casualties among civilians and military personnel deployed for peacekeeping.
Despite the escalating threats, Oduku reassured the public that riverine security officers are on high alert and are actively collaborating with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to prevent any large-scale attacks on federal assets.
Calls for Caution Amid Security Crisis
Key security figures, including Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, who oversee the Rivers and Delta States’ waterways, have pledged their support in maintaining peace and order in the region.
Oduku also referenced a cautionary statement from Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), a former Presidential Amnesty Programme coordinator, who advised Niger Delta youths not to resort to violence out of frustration or political grievances.
He further condemned the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, vowing that security forces would bring the perpetrators to justice.
Appeal for Peace and Stability
As the security situation in Rivers State and the Niger Delta remains precarious, Oduku urged all stakeholders, community leaders, and youths to embrace peace, allowing the government and law enforcement agencies to address their grievances lawfully.
He stressed that while legitimate concerns about governance and regional development must be addressed, violence would only escalate tensions and harm local communities that depend on oil revenues.
“I appeal to the people of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. We must work together to prevent further violence and destruction,” Oduku stated.
With militant activities and pipeline explosions on the rise, all eyes are now on the federal government’s response to this growing security and environmental crisis in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
Key Takeaways:
- Explosion at Soku oil facility marks the third major pipeline incident in Rivers State within a week.
- YEAC-Nigeria calls for a full investigation and accountability under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
- Militant leaders secretly reconvene, plotting new attacks on oil infrastructure.
- Security forces on high alert, with warnings of possible economic and security fallout.
- Calls for peace intensify, urging Niger Delta communities to avoid violence.
As the situation develops, further government interventions and security measures will be critical in preventing further destruction and ensuring the stability of the region.
