43 Die from Toxic Fumes in Illegal Fuel Siphoning

At least 43 individuals have died after inhaling toxic chemical fumes during an illegal fuel siphoning operation at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, Rivers State, around midnight on Thursday. More than 200 youths from nearby communities participated in siphoning fuel from an illegally connected tapping point on a pipeline linked to the facility.

Witnesses reported that many victims lost consciousness due to concentrated fumes, with some falling into the river and drowning. Of the confirmed dead, 37 have been identified as indigenes of Okrika, while six remain unidentified.

Blessing Agabe, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and exact casualty figures. Fyneface, executive director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), indicated that the siphoning coincided with a vessel receiving supplies from the pipeline.

YEAC-Nigeria has called for a joint investigation by NOSDRA and urged for enhanced security around oil infrastructure to prevent illegal activities.