Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: June 02-08, 2024

This special edition of the weekly update spotlights lethal violence in the oil and gas industry in the Niger Delta, with a focus on explosions and fire incidents associated with the production and distribution of petroleum products. According to data (see map above), fire incidents associated with the production and distribution of petroleum products caused over 500 fatalities in the Niger Delta between January 2020 and March 2024. Recent data shows the prevalence of fire disasters associated with the production and distribution of petroleum products. In January 2024, for instance, several persons were allegedly killed in a fire incident at an illegal oil bunkering site in Obitti, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State. In April, a petrol tanker reportedly exploded, killed four persons, and destroyed over 70 vehicles along the East-West Road in Eleme LGA, Rivers State. In May, an oil tanker exploded and killed seven persons at Ometan along Warri-Sapele Expressway in Okpe LGA, Delta State. Recently, on June 04, 2024, a gas tanker reportedly exploded and killed three persons at the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover along the East-West Road in Rivers state.