A devastating explosion has rocked the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, barely a week after a major explosion occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the latest explosion, which was accompanied by fireballs and is still ongoing.
The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or deliberate attack. This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State in less than a week, following incidents in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
President Bola Tinubu has declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the governor’s alleged failure to protect oil infrastructure. The President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion, urging the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause. The group emphasized that perpetrators of the crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
The recent explosions have raised concerns about the safety and security of oil facilities in Rivers State. The incidents have also highlighted the need for urgent action to address the root causes of these explosions and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As the investigation into the Soku explosion continues, residents of Rivers State and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry are eagerly awaiting answers. The incident has once again brought to the fore the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of oil facilities in Nigeria.
The explosion at the Soku oil facility is a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges associated with oil exploration and production. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the complexities of its oil and gas industry, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of oil facilities and the communities that host them.
Explosions have become a disturbingly familiar occurrence in Rivers State in recent times. Within the past two weeks alone, the state has witnessed a string of devastating blasts, including the major explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo and another incident in Ogoni. These frequent explosions have raised concerns about the safety and security of oil facilities in the state, as well as the potential environmental and health impacts on local communities.