IN BRIEF (Page 10)

NIGERIA

50 people missing after pipeline explodes

A local official said more than 50 people are missing after a leaking oil pipeline exploded and caused a stampede in southern Nigeria. The Nembe Chiefs Council spokesman, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, said the blast early on Friday caused massive oil spillage in Nembe in Bayelsa state. The Nembe trunk line is operated by the Port Harcourt-based Aiteo Group and carries crude to the Bonny export terminal. The pipeline is jointly owned by Agip, Oando and Shell Petroleum Development Company. It is not immediately clear if the pipeline has been shut down.