Military

DATE=6/21/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NIGERIA/BLAST (L-O)

NUMBER=2-304605

BYLINE=NICO COLOMBANT

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In southeastern Nigeria, the explosion of a vandalized oil pipeline has killed more than 100 people and injured dozens more while they were scavenging leaked fuel. As V-O-A's Nico Colombant reports from our West Africa bureau in Abidjan, the explosion occurred on Thursday in a remote area, but news was slow to emerge, because many victims feared prosecution.

TEXT: Residents from an area about 50 kilometers north of Umuahia, the capital of Abia state, say thieves had been scooping fuel from the pipeline, since it was punctured six weeks ago.

They say the pipeline owners continued to pump fuel through the line, despite being informed of the breakage. However, another source said the operators did not know of the rupture, until the explosion occurred.

Witnesses say police colluded with vandals, by charging villagers to scoop up buckets and barrels of fuel for resale.

Pipeline vandalism, known as "bunkering" or "scooping," is common in Nigeria, despite the risk of deadly fire and harsh punishment, including being shot on sight by security forces.

Officials say a motorbike next to the pipeline apparently caused a spark Thursday, setting off the huge explosion. Some community leaders say the blast took place earlier this month, but that the resulting fire was still raging Friday.

Aid workers say severe burn victims began arriving at hospitals in the Abia state capital late this week.

Hundreds of people have been killed in recent years in Nigeria while stealing oil from ruptured pipelines.

Nigeria is one of the world's top 10 oil exporters, and pipelines often run through poor communities, where oil shortages are common. (SIGNED)

NEB/NC/DW/TW