At least 37 killed in Nigeria oil theft tragedy, bodies found in river
At least 37 people died in southern Nigeria during an attempted oil theft, with more missing and bodies recovered from a river, officials say.
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AIAt least 37 people have died in southern Nigeria during an attempt to steal crude oil from a pipeline, according to an environmental group. Police said the incident occurred during an oil theft operation, while authorities noted that the reported death toll has yet to be verified.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said the incident took place near midnight on Thursday in the Okrika area of Rivers State, adding that the victims died after inhaling fumes while trying to steal oil.
The organization stated the tragedy happened at the Okari Jetty while a vessel was being loaded. Suspected thieves were reportedly siphoning petroleum products under high pressure into boats. Several people remain missing, and bodies have been seen floating on the river.
Blessing Kaborlo Agabi, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the deaths occurred during an attempted crude oil theft, saying: "An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and verify the facts."
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said the reported number of fatalities has not yet been confirmed, and the substance that affected the victims still requires technical verification.
The corps added it is working with security agencies to determine the number of dead, injured, and missing, and is also investigating possible negligence, collusion, or facilitation of criminal activity.