posted 23rd March 2025
Fire Guts Gas Pipeline in Rivers State Amid Emergency Rule
23 March 2025
A gas pipeline along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji right-of-way in Rivers State has been engulfed by fire, marking the third such incident in the oil-rich region within a week. The blaze, reported on Sunday, has intensified concerns over the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, coming hot on the heels of a similar incident on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, less than a week ago.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a Niger Delta-based grassroots organisation, described the incident as an explosion at the Soku gas facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. According to a statement signed by YEAC-Nigeria’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, youth volunteers raised the alarm after hearing a loud blast and witnessing fireballs erupting from the site. “The explosion was accompanied by fireballs, which could be seen rising from the facility,” the statement read. “The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report.”
However, conflicting accounts have emerged. Mr. Witness Alasia, General Secretary of the Soku community, refuted claims of an explosion at the gas plant. Representing the community leadership, Alasia called the explosion reports “baseless and untrue,” insisting that “Soku Gas Plant is safe and in perfect working condition.” He did, however, acknowledge a fire outbreak along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji gas pipeline right-of-way, though he said the cause remains unclear. Alasia added that NLNG Limited has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
This latest incident follows two other fires in Rivers State within the past week—one in Ogoni and another in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The spate of fires has heightened fears about the vulnerability of the region’s oil infrastructure, a critical component of Nigeria’s economy. The incidents were cited by President Bola Tinubu in his 18 March nationwide broadcast, during which he declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State. Citing repeated attacks on oil facilities, the President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, accusing the state government of failing to protect vital infrastructure.
YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku fire, pressing the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause and ensure accountability. “Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the group urged.
As emergency rule grips Rivers State, the recurring fires underscore the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil sector, with authorities yet to provide clarity on the causes or a plan to prevent further incidents.
