A tragic incident in southern Nigeria’s Rivers State has left at least 37 people dead after inhaling toxic gases while attempting to illegally siphon petrol from an oil pipeline. The incident occurred at the Okariki Jetty when suspected oil thieves were transferring petroleum under high pressure from a pipeline into boats. Following the event, multiple bodies were spotted floating in the river.
Local police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the official death toll, casualties, and missing persons, as well as the exact chemical substance involved. Authorities are also investigating potential criminal negligence or collusion linked to the incident.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism remain widespread issues in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, causing frequent fatal accidents, heavy environmental pollution, and substantial financial losses for oil firms. Reuters noted that if the death toll of 37 is officially confirmed, it would mark the highest casualty count from such an incident in Nigeria since October 2023.