By Afolabi Ayodele

Nigeria – Rivers: An explosion has rocked the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, marking the third such incident in the state within a week.

The blast comes just days after a major explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface.

According to the group, its youth volunteers reported hearing a loud explosion followed by fireballs at the facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to reach. The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report,” the statement read.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with speculations pointing to equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.

This latest explosion follows incidents in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, the latter of which was referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide broadcast while declaring a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

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