{
  "id": 5329305,
  "title": "37 suspected oil thieves die after inhaling substance in Rivers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/37-suspected-oil-thieves-die-after-inhaling-substance-in-rivers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T12:56:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/37-suspected-oil-thieves-die-after-inhaling-substance-in-rivers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thirty-seven suspected oil thieves perished in Okrika, Rivers State, after inhaling a petroleum product believed to be crude oil. The incident occurred early Thursday when youths attempted to load the product from an illegally tapped point at Okari Jetty. Over 100 individuals from Okrika and neighboring communities had gathered at the jetty to load the product using locally made boats. A strong smell filled the air as the product was being loaded, causing several youths to collapse. Some of the victims fell into the river, while others suffered severe respiratory issues and were taken to the hospital. Over 37 bodies were identified as Okrika residents, with six others still missing. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre confirmed the incident, stating that 37 individuals suspected of oil theft died after inhaling \"Indorama fuel.\" The Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria called for an immediate investigation by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and urged the responsible company to strengthen security measures around its pipelines.",
  "summary": "Tragedy strikes in Rivers State as 37 suspected oil thieves die after inhaling a petroleum product during an illegal tapping operation. Investigation ongoi Read More: https://punchng.com/37-suspected-oil-thieves-die-after-inhaling-substance-in-rivers/",
  "key_points": [
    "Thirty-seven suspected oil thieves died in Okrika, Rivers State.",
    "Inhaled petroleum product believed to be crude oil.",
    "Over 100 gathered at Okari Jetty to load the product."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "37 suspected oil thieves die after inhaling substance in Rivers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/37-suspected-oil-thieves-die-after-inhaling-substance-in-rivers-5331096",
        "published": "2026-09-03T13:08:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Suspected Crude oil thieves choke to death in Rivers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/suspected-crude-oil-thieves-choke-to-death-in-rivers",
        "published": "2026-09-03T14:28:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}