At least 37 people died after inhaling fumes while allegedly trying to siphon oil from a pipeline in southern Nigeria, an environmental group said on Friday.
The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday in Okrika, Rivers State, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre.
However, Nigerian authorities have not confirmed the reported death toll.
Police said the victims died while attempting to steal crude oil from the pipeline.
Police Begin Investigation
Rivers State police spokesperson ASP Blessing Kaborlo Agabe said an investigation is underway.
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Police are working to establish what happened and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation will also help authorities verify the number of people who died in the incident.
Oil Theft Suspected at Okari Jetty
The environmental group said the incident took place at Okari Jetty while a vessel was loading.
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According to the group, suspected oil thieves were siphoning petroleum products under high pressure into boats.
The group also reported that some people may still be missing. It said witnesses had seen bodies floating in the river.
These claims have not yet received independent confirmation from Nigerian authorities.
Deadliest Reported Incident in Years
The incident is reportedly the deadliest known case linked to crude oil theft in Nigeria since at least October 2023.
Nigeria has struggled for years with illegal oil tapping and pipeline vandalism. The activities remain particularly common in the Niger Delta, one of the country’s main oil-producing regions.
Illegal oil operations can cause fires, toxic exposure and environmental pollution. They also result in major financial losses for Nigeria’s oil industry.
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Crude Oil Theft Remains a Major Problem
Crude oil theft has remained a persistent challenge for Nigeria despite repeated government efforts to tackle the problem.
Criminal groups often tap pipelines and transfer petroleum products into boats or other containers. However, high-pressure pipelines and toxic fumes can create serious risks.
Meanwhile, pipeline vandalism has also damaged local ecosystems and affected communities across the Niger Delta.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the deadly risks associated with illegal oil extraction.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the Okrika incident and determine the confirmed number of casualties.
