Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: February 04-10, 2024

This special edition of the weekly update spotlights human-induced natural disasters in the Niger Delta with a focus on oil pipeline explosion and fire outbreak in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), petroleum pipeline explosion and fire outbreak caused more than 120 fatalities in Rivers State between January 2021 and December 2023. Recent data shows the prevalence of explosion and fire outbreak in the State. In December 2023, for instance, over 20 persons were reportedly killed and many others injured in a fire outbreak at an oil facility in Obrikom community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. Separately, in December, a fire outbreak reportedly destroyed several shops and goods at Ebony Road in Oroazi community, Obio/Akpor LGA. In January 2024, a leaking gas pipeline belonging to a multinational oil company allegedly exploded and destroyed several farmlands and economic trees in Obagi community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. More recently, on January 29, 2024, about 10 persons were allegedly killed and four boats destroyed by fire at the Bonny/Nembe/Bille Jetty along Creek in Port Harcourt LGA.