In the early hours of Thursday, a tragic incident unfolded at Okrika in Rivers State, Nigeria, where at least 37 individuals lost their lives while trying to siphon crude oil from an oil pipeline. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, an environmental watchdog, reported that the victims were attempting to tap the pipeline when they were overcome by toxic fumes.

Details of the incident

According to the group, the event occurred around midnight at the Okari Jetty, a location where a vessel was loading petroleum products. Suspected thieves were allegedly using high‑pressure equipment to siphon the product into boats. As the operation went awry, fumes from the crude oil filled the area, causing the deaths and leaving several people missing. Some bodies were reportedly seen floating in the river.

Official response

Rivers State police have confirmed that the victims died while attempting to steal crude oil. Police spokesperson ASP Blessing Kaborlo Agabe said an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances and to verify the casualty figures. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps added that the reported numbers remain unverified and that technical analysis is needed to confirm the substance involved.

Broader context

This tragedy is the deadliest known incident of its kind since at least October 2023 and underscores the persistent problem of illegal oil‑tapping and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. Such activities have long plagued the region, leading to loss of life, environmental damage, and significant economic losses for Nigeria’s oil industry.

Authorities have pledged to work with security agencies to ascertain the full scope of the incident, investigate possible negligence or collusion, and prevent future occurrences.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.