At least 18 people, including a pregnant woman, have lost their lives in southern Nigeria following a devastating explosion at an illegal oil refinery, according to local security officials and residents. The incident occurred on Sunday night in Rivers State when a homemade refinery triggered a fire after igniting an oil reservoir close by. Tragically, the victims suffered severe burns in the blaze.
Rescue efforts were able to save 25 injured individuals, as reported by Olufemi Ayodele, spokesperson for the local Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps. However, fears remain that the death toll may rise, considering the number of people believed to have been present at the site during the occurrence.
Investigations by local activist Chima Avadi reveal that the workers at the site were refining oil obtained from a vandalized pipeline. Avadi explained, “When they scoop from the point where they vandalized the pipe, they will take it to where they were cooking. That is how the fire ignited.” Unfortunately, explosions at these locally-run refineries are a recurring event in the oil-rich, yet impoverished, Niger Delta region. These areas are frequently targeted by chronic oil theft.
In addition to the tragic loss of lives, Nigeria has officially suffered the theft of at least $3 billion worth of crude oil between January 2021 and February 2022. Most of the nation’s oil facilities face the constant threat of vandalism and theft. Criminal operators often establish these refineries in remote areas to evade regulators. Due to the lack of adherence to safety standards at such facilities, fires are a common occurrence. Last year, Imo state witnessed a devastating fire at an illegal refinery that claimed over 100 lives.
Fyneface Dumnamene, the Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, highlighted the economic motivations behind these illegal activities. He stated, “The money they make from there in one or two days is more than what a civil servant can make in a year.” Dumnamene’s organization has been actively calling for environmental reforms and an end to these illicit activities. However, the increasing economic hardships faced by many Nigerians have driven individuals to seek opportunities to make ends meet in any way possible.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to combat oil theft and illegal refineries in Nigeria. The Niger Delta region, known for its vast oil reserves, has long struggled with the devastating consequences of these criminal activities. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reported losses of around $3 billion as a result of oil theft between January 2021 and February 2022.
To address this pressing issue, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to ramp up efforts to protect oil infrastructure, tighten security, and take decisive action against those responsible for oil theft and illegal refineries. Additionally, investing in economic alternatives and providing viable opportunities for individuals in the region can help curb the allure of illicit activities.
As concerns for the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians grow, both environmental and economic reforms must be prioritized to tackle the root causes that drive such criminal operations. Only through these comprehensive measures can Nigeria effectively protect its valuable natural resources, improve the lives of its citizens, and foster a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Image Credit: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash
