Another Gas Explosion Rocks Rivers State, Residents Fear for Safety

By NIGPOST

Barely a week after a devastating explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State has been hit by yet another gas explosion—this time at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots environmental group, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

According to their Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, local volunteers reported a powerful explosion early in the morning, followed by huge fireballs lighting up the sky.

Fire Still Raging, Cause Unknown

As of the time of reporting, the fire was still burning, and access to the site remained difficult. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, but there are speculations that it could be due to:

• Equipment failure
• Sabotage
• A deliberate attack

This marks the third explosion in Rivers State within a week, raising concerns about the safety of oil and gas facilities in the region.

Federal Government’s Drastic Response

Amid the rising crisis, President Bola Tinubu recently declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. He also suspended:

• The Rivers State House of Assembly
• Deputy Governor
• Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of failing to protect vital oil infrastructure.

The decision came after a viral video surfaced showing some youths issuing threats over attempts to impeach Governor Fubara.

Call for Urgent Action

YEAC-Nigeria has called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct an immediate Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

“We demand that those responsible be held accountable in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the organization stated.

With three explosions in such a short time, residents and environmental activists are urging authorities to act fast before more lives and properties are put at risk.

Stay updated with NIGPOST as we bring you the latest on this developing story.