37 Suspected Oil Thieves Die in Rivers State Incident

In Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, approximately 37 individuals suspected of engaging in oil theft died after inhaling a petroleum product thought to be crude oil. This incident occurred early Thursday when youths attempted to load the product into a vessel from an illegally tapped point at a jetty.

Reports indicate that over 100 individuals from Okrika and nearby communities arrived at the jetty in locally made boats to load the product. A community source revealed that a strong smell filled the area during the loading process, leading to several youths collapsing.

The source, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, stated that more than 37 bodies were identified as belonging to Okrika residents, with six others yet to be identified and many still missing. Those who managed to escape experienced severe respiratory problems and were taken to hospitals for treatment.