Expanding Chaos In Nigeria

02/19 (LWN) This weekend numerous pipelines and oil facilities have been attacked and nine oil workers were kidnapped by Nigerian militants who have declared “total war” on them. Meanwhile, angry demonstrations against European caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad led to anti-Christian violence and arson, killing dozens of people.

According to the Associated Press, militants are now threatening to attack international oil tankers, and have succeeded in cutting oil exports by twenty percent. The militants called their attacks retaliation for military helicopter assaults carried out by the government on Friday against a village suspected of harboring militants.

The Times of India reported that 45 people had died in the demonstrations and related violence. More than thirty churches and homes were burned by demonstrators, and dozens were arrested.

Oil prices are expected to continue increasing due to this situation. Many Nigerians feel that they do not receive any benefit from oil being extracted from their country, while at the same time their environment is being harmed.

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