At least 43 people are feared dead and several others missing following an incident involving the illegal siphoning of petroleum products at Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred around midnight on Thursday, September 3, when more than 200 people, mostly youths, allegedly gathered to siphon petroleum products from an illegal tapping point.
Community sources said toxic fumes from the product caused several people to collapse. Some reportedly fell into the river, while others were taken to hospitals after suffering breathing difficulties.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, confirmed the incident, saying at least 37 people had died after inhaling the fumes.
YEAC Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, called for an investigation into the incident and urged authorities to strengthen security around oil pipelines.
He also warned residents against approaching oil and gas infrastructure because of the dangers associated with high-pressure petroleum products.
However, the Rivers State Police Command said it could not confirm the reported death toll, noting that investigations were ongoing.
The police said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual number of casualties.
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