PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — At least 37 people have reportedly died after being exposed to toxic fumes during an alleged illegal petroleum siphoning operation at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred around midnight when a large number of youths from neighbouring communities arrived at the area in wooden boats in an attempt to siphon petroleum products from an illegally connected tapping point on a pipeline.
According to reports, the victims were exposed to highly concentrated fumes while petroleum products were being transferred into boats.
Several people reportedly lost consciousness during the operation, while some fell into the river and drowned.
Police confirm incident
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the actual number of casualties.
Initial reports indicated that 37 of the deceased had been identified as indigenes of Okrika, while other victims remained unidentified.
Some people who survived the incident were reportedly taken for medical treatment after suffering serious respiratory complications.
How the incident happened
Reports from the community indicate that more than 200 youths from neighbouring communities were at the location during the alleged operation.
The petroleum product was reportedly being taken from a pipeline connected to the petroleum infrastructure around the Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Port Harcourt refinery corridor.
The victims were allegedly attempting to load the product into waiting boats while another vessel was receiving petroleum products from the pipeline.
The concentration of fumes reportedly became overwhelming, causing several people to collapse.
Some of those who lost consciousness fell into the water and drowned, while others managed to escape.
Environmental group raises concern
Fyneface, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, called for stronger protection of oil and gas infrastructure in the area.
He also urged operators and relevant authorities to improve security around pipelines and other petroleum facilities to prevent illegal bunkering, vandalism and similar incidents.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, where attempts to siphon petroleum products have previously resulted in fires, explosions, toxic exposure and loss of lives.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities are expected to establish the exact number of people who died, the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal operation and how the pipeline tapping occurred.
The Rivers State Police Command said investigations would help determine the full circumstances of the tragedy.
The latest incident has also renewed concerns about the human cost of illegal oil activities and the risks faced by communities living around petroleum infrastructure.
