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Explosion at Illegal Pipeline Kills Many in Rivers State, Nigeria

At least 20 people died and many others were injured in an explosion from an illegal pipeline tapping point in Omoku, Rivers State, on Christmas Eve.

It was gathered that the incident occurred after the youths allegedly broke a pipeline belonging to one of the multinational oil firms operating in the area. They were reportedly using jerrycans and buckets to scoop fuel when the tragedy struck.

Many others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. Local leaders and security groups have strongly condemned the illegal oil bunkering activities, urging both the youths and security agencies to cease these practices.

The Nigerian Air Force, as part of Operation Delta Safe, destroyed six illegal oil refining sites in another area of Rivers State, reinforcing the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

 

InFocus

Uwe Dedering/Wikimedia

Nigeria's Rivers State

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