Another explosion rocks Rivers as militants threaten more attacks

Just a week after a devastating explosion struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a prominent grassroots environmental watchdog in the Niger Delta, raised the alarm over the latest incident.

According to YEAC-Nigeria, the explosion occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, confirmed the development through the organization’s network of youth volunteers in the area.

“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to access. The fire was still raging at the time of this report,” the statement noted.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, with speculation ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or an orchestrated attack.

This marks the third explosion in Rivers State within a week, following similar incidents in Ogoni and Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The repeated attacks have heightened fears of worsening security in the region, prompting concerns at the federal level. President Bola Tinubu referenced these incidents in his March 18 nationwide address, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

In response to the latest explosion, YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a joint inspection to determine the cause. The group stressed that any individuals or entities responsible should be held accountable in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Meanwhile, a classified security report has revealed that militant leaders in the Niger Delta have regrouped in a remote creek community, where they are allegedly coordinating attacks on oil infrastructure.

The meeting reportedly took place days after President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the subsequent declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Although details remain scarce, a reliable source told Vanguard that the militant leaders are seeking broader participation from various armed groups across the Niger Delta and are in consultation with influential figures in the region.

Commander Bibi Oduku, Commandant General of the Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation), confirmed the growing security threat and warned of its potential impact on Nigeria’s economy.

“I urge President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of the Rivers State governor, given the heightened tensions and threats in the Niger Delta. These threats pose a significant risk to national security and the economy,” Oduku stated.

According to him, militant groups are planning coordinated attacks on federal assets across the region, while criminal elements could exploit the chaos to engage in looting and violence. He warned that the situation could result in significant casualties, including military personnel deployed for peacekeeping operations.

Despite the looming threats, Oduku assured that riverine security officers remain on high alert and are working closely with the military and other security agencies to prevent further attacks.

Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, who oversee waterways in Rivers and Delta States, respectively, have pledged full cooperation with the military to safeguard key installations.

Oduku also referenced a warning from Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), former head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, urging Niger Delta youths not to resort to violence out of frustration.

Condemning the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, Oduku vowed that security forces would ensure those responsible face justice. He urged the people of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region to embrace peace and allow due process to take its course.

With tensions rising, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the federal government will navigate this escalating crisis in one of Nigeria’s most critical economic hubs.