At least 37 dead in suspected crude theft at Nigeria pipeline
At least 37 people died inhaling fumes while tapping a pipeline in Nigeria's Rivers State, per a local group. Police and security agencies are investigating.
An environmental advocacy group has reported that at least 37 people died after inhaling fumes while attempting to tap an oil pipeline in southern Nigeria. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre stated the incident occurred around midnight on Thursday at Okrika in Rivers State, a region within the Niger Delta.
The group detailed that the event unfolded at Okari Jetty as a vessel was loading. Suspected thieves were allegedly siphoning a petroleum product under high pressure into boats. The organisation added that other individuals remain missing and that bodies have been sighted floating in the river.
Authorities have yet to confirm the casualty figures. Rivers State police spokesperson ASP Blessing Kaborlo Agabe said an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances and ascertain the facts. Police have indicated the victims died while attempting to steal crude oil.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps noted that circulating casualty numbers are unverified and that the substance involved requires technical confirmation. The agency stated it is collaborating with security forces to determine the number of dead, injured, and missing, and to investigate potential negligence, collusion, or criminal facilitation.
If confirmed, this would be the worst death toll from such an incident since at least October 2023. The tragedy underscores the persistent challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, activities that have historically led to fatalities, environmental pollution, and significant financial losses for Nigeria's oil sector. Independent verification of the incident and the reported death toll was not immediately possible.