37 Suspected Oil Thieves Reportedly Die After Inhaling Fumes in Rivers

At least 37 people suspected of engaging in oil theft have reportedly died after inhaling fumes from a petroleum product in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, when more than 100 people, mostly youths from Okrika and neighboring communities, reportedly gathered at Okari Jetty to siphon petroleum products from a pipeline.

The pipeline is said to transport petroleum products from the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical facility towards the Port Harcourt Refinery and vessels that regularly visit the area to load products for export.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were loading the petroleum products into boats when a strong smell suddenly spread across the area.

Several of the youths reportedly collapsed after inhaling the fumes, with some said to have fallen into the river while others managed to escape.

Those who survived the incident were reportedly rushed to hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for severe respiratory complications.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has commenced into the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Blessing Agabe, said the deceased were reportedly involved in an attempt to steal crude oil, although no official complaint had been filed regarding the incident at the time of the statement.

“The suspects reportedly died in the process of attempting to steal crude oil. However, no official complaint has been received in connection with the incident at this time. Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the facts.”

Authorities are expected to establish the exact cause of the deaths and determine the circumstances surrounding the reported oil theft operation.