An explosion has been confirmed at the Soku oil facility operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with speculation ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or a targeted attack on the facility.
Explosion Linked to Rivers State Political Crisis
The incident comes amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, following an alleged impeachment notice against suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the State Assembly. In the past week, several reports of explosions at oil facilities across the state have surfaced, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure.
However, not all reported incidents have been verified. A viral video circulating on social media, which claimed that militants bombed two Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) flow stations at Cawthorne Channel, was later proven false. Authorities confirmed the footage was from a separate explosion at Cawthorne Channel 1 in Iloamatoru, Bonny, on February 19, 2025, which resulted in three fatalities.
Despite the misinformation, other explosions in Bodo Community in Ogoniland and Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area have been confirmed as authentic.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency
In response to the growing threat to oil infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide address on March 18. He cited the series of explosions as a key reason for the extraordinary measure, emphasizing the need to protect vital national assets.
The emergency declaration grants federal authorities increased powers to secure oil facilities and address unrest in the oil-rich region.
Conflicting Accounts of the Soku Explosion
Confirming the latest incident, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), described the explosion as being accompanied by fireballs. YEAC-Nigeria, a grassroots non-governmental organization, operates across communities in the Niger Delta and monitors environmental and security developments.
However, local authorities in Soku have disputed reports suggesting extensive damage. The General Secretary of Soku Kingdom, Mr. Witness Alasia, clarified that while there was a fire outbreak along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji gas pipeline, the Soku gas plant itself remains unaffected and fully operational.
In a statement, Alasia urged the public to disregard what he described as “unguided and untrue reports.” He assured that Soku and surrounding communities remain calm and safe.
Ongoing Investigations and Security Concerns
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion at the Soku facility. With the oil sector playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, there is mounting pressure on both state and federal governments to secure these critical infrastructures.
The explosion adds to the challenges facing Rivers State, where political turmoil and concerns over oil facility security continue to fuel anxiety. As tensions persist, stakeholders are calling for increased transparency and decisive action to prevent further disruptions.
