Another Explosion Rocks Gas Facility in Rivers: Third Attack Sparks Security Concerns
PORT HARCOURT — A powerful explosion rocked the Soku gas facility in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State on March 23, 2025, marking the third such incident in the region within a week. The blast, which occurred at midnight, has intensified concerns about the security of critical oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
Fireballs Light Up the Night Sky
Eyewitnesses reported seeing fireballs erupting from the facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), confirmed the incident through the organization’s network of youth volunteers.
“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to reach. The fire was still ongoing as of the time of this report,” Dr. Fyneface stated.
A Pattern of Attacks
This explosion follows two recent incidents in the state:
- An attack on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA
- An explosion in the Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
These events have raised alarm about the safety of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, which is crucial to the country’s economy.
State of Emergency and Political Tensions
The series of explosions comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18. Tinubu cited these attacks as justification for suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state legislature.
The president accused Governor Fubara of failing to adequately address threats made by youths in a viral video regarding potential attacks if the governor faced impeachment.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
YEAC-Nigeria has demanded an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion. The organization called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause and ensure accountability.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” Dr. Fyneface emphasized.
Economic Implications
These repeated attacks on oil and gas facilities pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s oil output and economic stability. The country, heavily reliant on oil exports, faces potential production disruptions and environmental damage from such incidents.
Community Response
While concerns mount, some community leaders have stated that the Soku gas pipeline remains safe and operational. However, the difficulty in accessing the explosion site has hindered immediate assessment and response efforts.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, the recent spate of explosions in Rivers State underscores the ongoing challenges in securing Nigeria’s vital energy infrastructure. The incidents have reignited debates about resource control, environmental protection, and political stability in the Niger Delta region.
