No fewer than 37 suspected oil thieves have died after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly loading stolen crude oil into boats at Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when the victims were reportedly among a group of youths who stormed the jetty to load petroleum products from an illegally tapped pipeline point.
According to reports, more than 200 people had gathered at the location, where a vessel was also loading petroleum products, when the victims were exposed to the strong fumes from the crude oil.
Several of those affected reportedly collapsed into the river, while others who escaped the scene were said to have developed serious respiratory difficulties and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.
Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, confirmed the deaths, saying the organisation received reports from its volunteers and human rights defenders in Okrika.
According to him, the victims died after inhaling what was locally referred to as “Indorama fuel” while allegedly attempting to load the product through a vandalised pipeline connected to a tapping point.
“The report stated that no fewer than 37 persons suspected to be oil thieves died after inhaling what is locally called ‘Indorama Fuel’. Many others are still missing,” Fyneface said.
He added that some bodies had reportedly been seen floating on the river but were yet to be recovered.
Fyneface called for an investigation into the incident and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to the site.
He also condemned pipeline vandalism and called for stronger security around oil facilities, while urging authorities to create alternative livelihood opportunities for communities affected by oil-related activities.
Police spokesperson in Rivers State, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbalo, confirmed the incident, saying the victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil when the incident occurred.
She said no official complaint had been received by the command but confirmed that an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the facts,” she said.
