Another explosion has rocked the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, just a week after a major explosion occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
This latest incident marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State in less than a week, with the first occurring in Ogoni and the second in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The explosion at the Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, was confirmed by the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria).
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was accompanied by fireballs and is still ongoing.
The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with speculations ranging from equipment failure, sabotage, to deliberate attack. The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been urged to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.
In response to the recent explosions, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing his alleged failure to protect oil infrastructure.
Source: Vanguard
