A tragic explosion claimed the lives of 37 individuals, including two expectant mothers, in southern Nigeria, according to a local security official and community leader on Tuesday.
In the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, illegal refining is a prevalent practice, where impoverished locals tap pipelines to extract fuel for sale. This hazardous practice, ranging from basic methods like crude oil boiling in drums to extract fuel, often leads to fatalities.
The recent incident occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Ibaa community within Rivers State, as reported by Rufus Welekem, the community’s head of security. A Reuters correspondent witnessed the aftermath, with charred remains of 15 people at an open area surrounded by burnt palm trees and a motorcycle.
Welekem stated, “Thirty-five people were caught in the fire. Two individuals who were fortunate enough to escape also succumbed to their injuries this morning in the hospital.”
Relatives had already identified some of the victims and proceeded with their burials.
Efforts to curb illegal crude refineries in Nigeria have been ongoing for years, with limited success. This is partially due to the involvement of influential politicians and security officials, as noted by local environmental groups.
The prevalence of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and legal disputes over oil spills is prompting major oil companies operating in Nigeria to divest from onshore and shallow water assets, focusing instead on deep-water operations.
