‘Pregnant women among 37 killed’ in explosion at illegal refining site in Rivers

At least 37 people, including two pregnant women, have reportedly been killed following an explosion at an illegal oil refining site in Ibaa community, Emohua local government area of Rivers state. 

According to a statement signed by Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, executive director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), the blast occurred on October 2, 2023. 

The centre condemned the continuous engagement in artisanal crude oil refining activities in some communities across the Niger Delta “despite intense campaigns and advocacy against crude oil theft, artisanal refining, and pollution”. 

Rufus Welekem, head of security in the community, told Reuters that while 35 people died in the inferno, two died in the hospital.

“Thirty five people were caught in the fire. Two people who were lucky to escape also died this morning in hospital,” Welekem said.

Illegal oil refining sites with the dangers they pose, litter communities in the Niger Delta region.

In April 2022, at least 100 people were killed following an explosion at an illegal oil refining site in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo state.

In July 2023, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said it recorded 240 incidents pertaining to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta within a week.

In the same month, troops of the Nigerian army uncovered a major illegal oil refining site in Delta state.