An illegal oil refinery explosion in southern Nigeria has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 37 individuals, including two pregnant women, according to a local security official and community leader.
Illegal oil refining is a widespread issue in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, where impoverished residents tap into pipelines to produce fuel for sale.
The practice can range from simple methods like boiling crude oil in drums to extract fuel, but it often leads to dangerous and deadly consequences.
The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Ibaa community, located in Rivers State, according to Rufus Welekem, the head of security in the community.
“Thirty five people were caught in the fire. Two people who were lucky to escape also died this morning in hospital,” said Welekem.
Relatives had identified some of the victims and had taken them for burial, according to Rufus Welekem, the head of security in the community.
Nigeria has struggled for years to curb illegal crude refineries, facing limited success, largely due to the involvement of influential politicians and security officials in these operations, as reported by local environmental groups.
Crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and legal disputes related to oil spills are compelling oil majors in Nigeria to divest their onshore and shallow water assets and shift their focus towards deepwater operations.
