Petroleum Pipeline Fire Outbreak in Communities of Delta State, Nigeria, 1997 – 2007

Abstract

This study examines Petroleum pipeline fire outbreaks in the Sapele/Warri Axis of Jesse, Egborode, Oviri Court and Adeje of Delta State, which are due to oil activities causing the death of over 3000 lives and destroying communities' source of livelihood such as economic trees, food crops, farmlands, water sources, aquatic lives, among others. It further explores the cause of these fire incidents such as oil spillages in pipeline communities of Okolovu, Okuovu, Okwetolor, Oviri Court, Mereje, Egborode, Adeje, Okwejeba, Okufuoma, Okwabude, Jesse occasioned by vandalism and scooping of petroleum products, in which the latter was blamed on people outside these communities, while the former was demonstrated by members of the communities and environs. The study employs primary and secondary sources of data collection and adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods of historical research in its analysis. The study concludes that the impact of these fire incidents, particularly without adequate knowledge of the actual cause of the fire and figures of the victims remains an indelible mark on the Federal Government irresponsibility on the citizenry. Thus, except the Federal and State Governments take an extra measure particularly investigating these events, the people will continue to be affected by these tragic situations.