Renaissance Denies Explosion at Soku Gas Plant, Assures Public of Safety
Renaissance, an indigenous oil and gas company, has dismissed reports of an explosion at its gas plant in Rivers State, following claims that a blast occurred at the facility on Sunday.
Earlier reports, citing Christian Otiasah, an environmental manager in the Soku community, alleged that an explosion had taken place at the Soku Gas Pipeline operated by Renaissance. However, the company swiftly refuted these claims, insisting that its operations remain uninterrupted and all facilities are secure.
Bamidele Odugbesan, Renaissance’s communications manager, reaffirmed the company’s position, stating, “We wish to categorically state that there was no gas explosion or fire incident at our Soku facility. Our operations are ongoing without any disruption, and all safety protocols remain in place.”
The company also reiterated its commitment to stringent safety and environmental standards, assuring stakeholders that its infrastructure is regularly monitored to prevent such incidents. Additionally, Renaissance urged the media and the public to verify reports before spreading misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic.
Similarly, the leadership of the Soku community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State has also dismissed the explosion claims, labeling them as misleading.
In a statement, the community’s general secretary, Witness Alasia, categorically denied reports of any incident at the Soku Gas Plant. “Soku Gas Plant is safe and in perfect working condition. The public should disregard this unguided and untrue report,” he stated.
However, Alasia did acknowledge a fire outbreak along a gas pipeline on the Soku-Abua-Rumuji right of way but clarified that the cause remains unknown and has no connection to the Soku Gas Plant.
Both Renaissance and community leaders have reassured residents that Soku and its satellite communities remain safe and calm.
