TIMELINE: 1,000 in Delta, 147 in Jigawa — how Nigerians have died scooping petrol from tankers, pipelines

Explosions caused by fuel-laden tankers have led to fatalities across Nigeria’s highways and communities.

On Tuesday night, another tragic incident occurred in Majia town, Taura LGA of Jigawa state, after an articulated petrol vehicle spilled its contents after tipping over.

Many residents stormed the scene with buckets and jerrycans. An explosion ensued and more than 140 people were burnt to death.

Videos showing residents scooping petrol from the tanker before the inferno have been making the round on social media.

The tragic incident has reignited debates on whether government should outlaw the transportation of petroleum products by roads — and the need for alternative means of conveying combustible products.

THE FUEL SCOOPING TREND

In Nigeria, whenever a fuel-laden tanker tumbles and spills its contents, residents and passersby besiege the scene with buckets, jerrycans and other containers.

Leaking pipelines conveying petroleum products are not left out.

Persons who engage in these acts are usually the first victims in the event of an explosion.

However, it is imperative to note that in some cases, fuel tankers explode immediately after contents have been spilled.

In October 2023, residents and passersby converged to scoop fuel after a tanker tipped over at the Otedola Bridge in Lagos. Pictures and videos of the incident immediately went viral on social media.

Although there was no explosion this time, it once again brought to the fore the risk Nigerians take to get spilled petroleum products from fallen tankers.

TheCable highlights a handful of tragedies that have trailed a petroleum tanker accident.

THE JESSE INCIDENT

On October 17, 1998, a pipeline conveying fuel exploded in Jesse community, in Ethiope west LGA of Delta state, leading to the death of over 1,000 persons.

The pipeline belonged to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Twenty-six years after, the cause of the explosion has not been ascertained.

Reports suggested that before the explosion, some residents were scooping spilled fuel into basins.

ONICHA-AMAIYI FIRE

On June 26, 2003, more than 100 people died during a pipeline explosion at Onicha-Amaiyi village in Abia state.

The explosion occurred as people gathered at the scene of the leak to scoop fuel.

THE ABULE EGBA INCIDENT

In December 2006, over 200 people died after a pipeline exploded in the Abule Egba area of Lagos state.

Many residents had gathered at the site of the leak when the explosion occurred.

The victims were burnt beyond recognition.

DEATH IN ODUKPANI 

On January 11, 2019, at least 60 persons died during a petrol tanker explosion in Odukpani LGA, near the federal housing estate in Calabar, Cross River.

After the tanker ended up in a ditch, residents stormed the scene with large containers to scoop fuel.

AHUMBE EXPLOSION

On July 1, 2019, at least 50 people died and over 100 were left injured after they rushed to scoop petrol from a tanker that had tumbled in Ahumbe, Benue state.