Niger Delta Tensions Rise: Another Explosion Rocks Oil Facility

Second Explosion in Less Than a Week Sparks Concerns

Just as the Niger Delta was reeling from the aftermath of a major explosion that shook the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area. The incident adds to the growing concerns over the region's stability and safety.

The alarm was first raised by the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a prominent grassroots non-governmental organization based in the Niger Delta. Known for its advocacy work, YEAC-Nigeria has been instrumental in bringing attention to environmental issues in the region. In the early hours of Sunday, the group received credible information about the explosion at the Soku oil facility, which is operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, confirmed the explosion through the organization’s network of youth volunteers in the area. The statement detailed a chilling scene: "An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to access, and the fire was still ongoing at the time of this report." The cause of the explosion remains shrouded in mystery, with speculation ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or even an orchestrated attack on the facility.

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This is the third such incident in Rivers State within a week, following explosions in the Ogoni area and the Oga/Egbama/Ndoni Local Government Area. These developments have drawn national attention, especially after President Bola Tinubu highlighted the situation in his nationwide broadcast on March 18, where he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.

Call for Investigation and Accountability

In light of these alarming events, YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the explosion at Soku. The group has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a joint investigation visit to determine the root cause of the incident. YEAC-Nigeria emphasized that those responsible for the explosion must be held accountable in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021. The organization believes that transparency and accountability are critical in addressing the ongoing environmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Secret Meetings and Rising Tensions Among Militants

Meanwhile, a secret report has revealed that militant leaders in the Niger Delta have reconvened in an undisclosed creek community to strategize and coordinate attacks on oil facilities. This revelation has sparked fresh concerns about the region's security. The meeting took place just days after President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared a state of emergency in the state.

While the specifics of the gathering remain under wraps, a reliable source indicated to Vanguard that militant leaders are actively seeking full participation from various groups across the Niger Delta. They are also consulting widely with other influential leaders in the region. The situation has raised eyebrows, as it suggests a coordinated effort to escalate tensions and destabilize the region.

Commander Bibi Oduku, the commandant general of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), confirmed the heightened security threat in the Niger Delta. He warned that the situation could have severe repercussions for Nigeria’s economy. In a statement, Oduku advised President Tinubu to carefully reconsider the suspension of Governor Fubara, citing the increasing risks posed by militant activities.

Oduku stated, "I urge President Bola Tinubu to carefully evaluate the suspension of the Rivers State governor because of the heightened tensions and threats in the Niger Delta. These threats pose a significant risk to the nation’s economy. Militant groups are planning to attack federal government properties across Niger Delta states, while miscreants may exploit the situation to engage in criminal activities. This could lead to loss of life among innocent citizens and military personnel deployed for peacekeeping."

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Security Agencies on High Alert

Despite the escalating threats, Oduku reassured the public that riverine security officers are on high alert. They are collaborating closely with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to apprehend those responsible for attacks on federal government properties. Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, who oversee the waterways of Rivers and Delta States, respectively, have pledged their unwavering support to the military in maintaining peace in the region.

Oduku also referenced a warning issued by former presidential amnesty head Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), who urged Niger Delta youths to resist the temptation to let anger drive them toward violence. Oduku condemned the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, vowing that security forces would bring those responsible to justice. He urged the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to embrace peace and allow the law to take its course, emphasizing that unity and cooperation are essential in overcoming the current challenges facing the region.