At least 37 people are feared dead after toxic fumes were reportedly released during an alleged attempt to siphon petroleum products from a pipeline in Okrika, Rivers State.
The incident occurred on Thursday after a group of people reportedly connected a pipe to an illegal tapping point linked to a pipeline carrying petroleum products from the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical facility towards the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, said more than 100 people were believed to have gathered at the location in an attempt to collect fuel.
The organisation said at least 37 people had been confirmed dead after inhaling toxic fumes, while several others were still missing.
It also reported that some bodies were believed to have been seen floating in nearby waterways but had yet to be recovered.
However, the Rivers State Police Command has not independently confirmed the reported death toll.
Police spokesperson ASP Blessing Agabe confirmed that deaths had occurred and said an investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the deadly risks associated with illegal oil theft in the Niger Delta, where attempts to siphon petroleum products from pipelines have repeatedly resulted in fires, explosions and toxic exposure.
The Nigerian Navy has also warned that its operations against oil theft in the region would continue.
Authorities are expected to establish the exact number of victims, recover missing bodies and determine precisely how the incident occurred.
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