If I recall correctly, Nigerian pipelines are often punctured on purpose precisely to allow the people to steal fuel. Pipelines are also frequent targets of attack by rebels.
There have also been flaming disasters that killed dozens, if not hundreds, during such incidents. It is apparently not a rare occurance. In fact,
here's one such recent story, albeit without the fire. Probably the incident which spawned the pic, here.
I remember seeing similar and worse news reports for years.