A massive explosion at the Soku oil facility in Rivers State raises security concerns amid ongoing political tensions. Pic: Theguardian
Port Harcourt, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN) – The facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, was rocked by the blast, sending fireballs into the sky.
The massive explosion tore through the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, shaking nearby communities.
Investigations are underway to determine whether equipment failure, sabotage, or a targeted attack triggered the incident.
Reports of oil facility explosions have surged across Rivers State in recent weeks. Political instability and tensions surrounding the impeachment notice against suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara have fueled concerns over rising threats to critical infrastructure.
False claims have also circulated alongside confirmed incidents. A widely shared video alleging that militants bombed two Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) flow stations at Cawthorne Channel turned out to be an old clip from a February 19 explosion at Cawthorne Channel 1 in Iloamatoru, Bonny, which left three dead.
However, explosions in Bodo Community, Ogoniland, and Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area were confirmed.
Federal Response to Escalating Oil Facility Attacks
A nationwide address by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 placed Rivers State under a six-month state of emergency. The rising number of attacks on oil infrastructure was cited as a primary reason for the drastic measure.
Soku Leaders Dispel NLNG Fire Reports
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a Niger Delta-based environmental group, confirmed the Soku explosion, stating that the blast was accompanied by intense flames.
Concerns over potential damage to the Soku gas plant prompted swift reactions from local leaders. General Secretary of Soku Kingdom, Mr. Witness Alasia, dismissed claims that the plant had been engulfed in fire, calling such reports misleading.
“On behalf of the leadership of Soku Kingdom, I debunk the falsehood spreading across social media about an explosion at the Soku Gas Plant. It is disheartening that people continue to misinform the public with untrue stories,” Alasia stated.
He reassured that the gas plant remains intact and fully operational.
“The public should disregard these misleading reports. Soku and its surrounding communities remain safe and calm.”
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Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the Soku explosion as officials work to prevent further disruptions in the oil-rich state.
