This special edition of the weekly update spotlights natural resources conflict and human-induced environmental disasters in the Niger Delta with a focus on illegal artisanal oil refining related violence and disasters in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), illegal artisanal oil refining related violence and disasters caused over 150 fatalities in the Rivers State between January 2020 and August 2023. Recent data shows the prevalence of artisanal oil refining related violence and fire outbreaks in the State. In March 2023, for instance, 12 persons were reportedly killed in an explosion caused by illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining activities in Rumuekpe community, Emohua LGA. In July, 16 persons including fishers were reportedly killed by fire while they were scooping spilled petroleum products at a Jetty in Okrika LGA. In August, government security forces allegedly bombed several illegal oil refineries and neutralized many oil thieves at different locations in Akuku-Toru, Bonny and Degema LGAs. Recently, on October 01, 2023, 35 persons were allegedly killed by fire at an illegal oil refinery in Ibaa town, Emohua LGA.
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