Explosion At Soku Oil Facility Confirmed, But Gas Plant Remains Intact.
An explosion has been confirmed at the Soku oil facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. However, reports suggesting that the Soku gas plant itself was engulfed in flames have been debunked by local authorities.
The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or an attack on the facility. The incident comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, following the alleged impeachment notice issued to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the State Assembly.
Recent weeks have seen multiple reports of explosions at oil facilities across the state, though not all have been verified. For instance, a widely circulated video alleging that militants bombed two Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) flow stations at Cawthorne Channel was proven false. The footage was an old clip from a 19 February 2025 explosion in Iloamatoru, Bonny, which claimed three lives. However, confirmed incidents did occur in Bodo Community, Ogoniland, and Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area.
In response to the escalating threats to oil infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on 18 March, citing security concerns, including the spate of explosions.
Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), confirmed that the explosion at Soku was accompanied by fireballs. However, the Soku Kingdom has refuted claims that the Soku gas plant was affected.
Mr. Witness Alasia, General Secretary of the Soku Kingdom, clarified that while a fire broke out on a gas pipeline along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji right of way, the gas plant remains fully operational.
“On behalf of the leadership of the Soku Kingdom, I write to debunk the falsehood circulating on social media that there was an explosion in the Soku Gas Plant. It is disheartening and worrisome that people will mischievously misinform the public with a baseless and untrue story,” Alasia stated.
He reassured the public that Soku and its surrounding communities remain safe and calm.
Authorities continue to investigate the explosion, with efforts underway to determine the cause and prevent further incidents in the region.
