Fresh Explosion In Rivers State: Another Oil Facility Hit Amid Security Concerns

Rivers State Faces Another Blast Amid Ongoing State of Emergency

Rivers State has witnessed yet another explosion, this time at the Soku oil facility in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. This incident, reported on Sunday, March 24, 2025, marks the third attack on vital infrastructure in the state, just days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the region.

The Soku facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), became the latest target in what appears to be a series of disruptions affecting critical oil and gas assets in Rivers State.

Authorities and Stakeholders React

Despite the widespread reports, official confirmation remains scarce. The spokesperson for NLNG, Andy Odeh, had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that the force had not yet received an official report regarding the explosion.

However, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident, stating that a massive explosion and fireballs were observed from the affected area. According to the group, the fire was still burning as of Sunday, and videos captured by local youth volunteers verified the ongoing blaze.

Soku Kingdom Denies Explosion, Labels It a Fire Outbreak

In contrast to these claims, the Soku Kingdom leadership has dismissed reports of an explosion, insisting that the event was a fire outbreak rather than a detonation.

According to Witness Alasia, General Secretary of Soku Kingdom, the incident occurred along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji right of way, but the Soku Gas Plant remains unaffected.

“On behalf of the leadership of the Soku Kingdom, I debunk the misinformation circulating on social media. There was no explosion at the Soku Gas Plant,” Alasia stated.
“It is disheartening to see misleading and unverified reports being spread. The Soku community and its satellite areas remain calm and safe.”

A Series of Explosions in Rivers State

This latest explosion comes just days after a blast at the Trans Niger Pipeline, affecting the Bodo, Gokana, and Omwawriwa communities in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

Similarly, on March 19, 2025, a fire broke out at the Port Harcourt refinery, further raising concerns over the safety of key energy infrastructure in the region.

Political Tensions and Emergency Measures

These incidents unfold amid the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of elected authorities in Rivers State.

On Thursday, March 21, 2025, the National Assembly approved the emergency declaration, solidifying the federal government’s control over the state’s administration.

Following the approval, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) assumed office as the sole administrator of Rivers State, replacing the democratically elected leadership.

What Lies Ahead?

As authorities continue to assess the situation, questions remain regarding the root causes of these recurring explosions and the overall security of oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

For further updates on this developing situation, visit a reputable news source like BBC or CNN.