An explosion has occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, marking the third such incident in the region within a week.
The blast follows a similar one at the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a community-based organization, reported the latest incident, confirming the explosion through its network of local volunteers.
According to the group, a loud explosion was heard, followed by fireballs visible in the sky.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from equipment failure to deliberate sabotage, News About Nigeria reports.
The state has been facing a series of security concerns, especially after the federal government declared a six-month state of emergency.
Tensions have escalated further with reports that militant groups in the Niger Delta have regrouped and are allegedly planning attacks on oil facilities.
Security agencies in the region are now on high alert, fearing disruptions that could impact Nigeria’s economy.
Commander Bibi Oduku, head of the Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation), has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Oduku warned that the ongoing unrest could lead to widespread violence, putting innocent civilians and security personnel at risk.
Despite these concerns, he assured that security officers are working with the military to prevent attacks and apprehend those involved in criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara appeared publicly in Port Harcourt at a church service, days after being suspended.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, who attended the gathering alongside key political figures.
His supporters have also criticized the federal government’s decision, arguing that the suspension was based on misinformation.
They insisted that the security situation in Rivers had been relatively stable before the emergency rule was imposed.
