37–43 dead in Rivers oil siphoning tragedy at Okari Jetty

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, in the predawn hours, Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, became the site of a devastating tragedy. An illicit petroleum extraction operation unraveled when over 200 youths from Okrika and neighboring communities arrived by wooden boats to siphon crude from an illegal tapping point connected to a pipeline.

As the product moved toward a vessel slated for overseas export, participants inhaled highly concentrated toxic fumes causing severe respiratory distress. Consciousness slipped away from many, and numbers of them fell into the water.

Death tolls vary depending on the reporting source. Punch Newspapers and Daily Trust each reported 37 fatalities, while Legit.ng and The Will placed the count at 43.

What remains consistent across all accounts is that numerous missing persons have yet to be accounted for, and survivors are receiving hospital treatment for respiratory injuries. The tragedy's impact has deeply affected communities throughout the local government area.

The siphoning operation commenced at midnight while a petroleum-laden vessel remained anchored at the jetty in preparation for export. Witnesses described becoming overwhelmed by chemical fumes emanating from the illegally connected pipeline as crude transferred between boats and vessels.

The scheme utilized both anchored ships and handmade boats, revealing a structured approach to unauthorized petroleum acquisition. Following this catastrophe, focus has returned to underground oil theft operating throughout the Niger Delta.

Daily Trust reported that community sources indicate numerous participants from the operation remain unaccounted for, suggesting casualty numbers could ultimately rise. As of now, formal investigation results and official statements from authorities have not yet surfaced.