Nigerians die after inhaling toxic fumes during alleged pipeline theft, community group says
The authorities are yet to determine an official death toll, but some reports say at least 37 are dead.
At least 37 people have died in Rivers State, Nigeria after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly stealing petrol from a pipeline, alleges environmental group Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC). More than 100 people ventured into Okari Jetty in Okrika under cover of darkness, reportedly falling ill, many of whom remain missing, according to YEAC.
The police confirmed ongoing investigations into the incident, with local reports suggesting some individuals fell into the Bonny River while others sought medical attention. Theft from pipelines has been a persistent issue in Nigeria's oil hub, with criminal groups tapping pipelines and siphoning crude oil or petroleum products to sell on the black market or for use in illegal refineries.
The Niger Delta region, home to vast oil and gas reserves, has been a hotspot for such criminal activities. The YEAC urged the public and media to rely on verified information as authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the incident. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also warned against illegal tapping and siphoning, emphasizing the risks to lives, the environment, and the economy.
Nigerian naval officer Capt Abiodun Folorunsho stated that those caught would face legal consequences, as the navy increases patrols in the region. Nigeria aims to boost oil production to three million barrels per day by 2030, relying on enhanced security and reforms to attract new investments.
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