Key facts
- At least 37 people died in Nigeria after inhaling fumes while attempting to tap an oil pipeline.
- The incident occurred at Okari Jetty in Rivers State.
- The victims were reportedly siphoning a petroleum product under high pressure.
- Authorities have not confirmed the death toll and are investigating.
- The event highlights the ongoing problem of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
At least 37 people died in southern Nigeria after inhaling fumes while attempting to steal crude oil from a pipeline, an environmental group reported. The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday at Okari Jetty in Rivers State, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre. Police confirmed the victims died while trying to tap the pipeline, but authorities have not yet verified the casualty figures. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stated that circulating numbers are unverified and the substance involved requires technical confirmation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact number of dead, injured, and missing, and to ascertain the circumstances, including potential negligence or criminal facilitation. This event underscores the persistent issues of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, which have led to deaths, pollution, and significant losses to Nigeria's oil industry.