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In order to understand the long history of oil and violence in Nigeria, one must first analyze the particular forms taken by enclave economies, on the one hand, and spaces governed by violence and established for the exploitation of black gold on the other. This text underscores the singular status of oil with respect to other natural resources, and the importance of non-local actors. Through examination of three particular spaces—chiefdoms, indigenous communities, and the nation—the author describes a singular configuration that connects oil companies, the state apparatus, and local communities which are caught up in extremely volatile situations.