Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAGOS646
2006-05-12 15:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Lagos
Cable title:
FATAL PIPELINE EXPLOSION OUTSIDE OF LAGOS
how-toVZCZCXRO2981 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHOS #0646 1321511 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 121511Z MAY 06 FM AMCONSUL LAGOS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7132 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 0641 RUEHTC/AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE PRIORITY 0480 RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH AFB UK PRIORITY RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY RUEPGDA/USEUCOM JIC VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RUEHUJA/USDAO ABUJA NI PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS LAGOS 000646
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY
COMMERCE FOR KBURRESS
STATE FOR S/CT MTHOMPSON AND JWEBSTER
STATE FOR AF/EX, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/MSG, DS/IP/OPO, DS/IP/FPO,
DS/ICI/PII, DS/ICI/CR, DS/DSS, DS/IP/ITA, DS/OSAC, CA/EX,
CA/OCS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC EPET PGOV ASEC NI
SUBJECT: FATAL PIPELINE EXPLOSION OUTSIDE OF LAGOS
UNCLAS LAGOS 000646
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY
COMMERCE FOR KBURRESS
STATE FOR S/CT MTHOMPSON AND JWEBSTER
STATE FOR AF/EX, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/MSG, DS/IP/OPO, DS/IP/FPO,
DS/ICI/PII, DS/ICI/CR, DS/DSS, DS/IP/ITA, DS/OSAC, CA/EX,
CA/OCS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC EPET PGOV ASEC NI
SUBJECT: FATAL PIPELINE EXPLOSION OUTSIDE OF LAGOS
¶1. (SBU) An oil pipeline exploded in the Ilado area south
of Lagos this morning. Apparently due to a local fuel
scarcity, residents of the area attempted to break into the
pipeline to pilfer oil. This attempt went awry, thus causing
the explosion. Because scores of local residents were
attracted to the leaking pipeline in an attempt to collect
oil, many people were in close proximity when the explosion
occurred. A reliable source has fatalities at over 100, with
some claiming close to 200 people. There are no reports of
any expatriates killed or injured.
¶2. (SBU) Similar explosions have occurred in the same
vicinity before, the most recent around eighteen months ago
when people attempting to steal from the pipeline
unintentionally ignited the fuel.
¶3. (SBU) This is an unfortunate event primarily driven by
poverty and high prices caused by this local fuel scarcity.
However, this does not appear to be connected with any
organized militant or oil bunkering operation.
BROWNE