At least 37 people have died after inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged illegal petroleum-siphoning operation at Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, while several others remain missing, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) and community sources. The Rivers State Police Command said it was investigating the incident and had not independently established the casualty figure.
The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when more than 200 people, mostly youths from Okrika and neighbouring communities, reportedly arrived at the riverside jetty in locally made boats to siphon petroleum products from an illegally tapped pipeline point while a vessel was loading products for export.
According to YEAC-Nigeria Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, no fewer than 37 people suspected of involvement in oil theft died after inhaling a substance locally known as “Indorama fuel”. He said the victims were exposed to the product as it was being pumped at high pressure during the illegal loading operation.
Community sources reported that 37 recovered bodies had been identified as Okrika indigenes, while six others were yet to be identified. They said several other people remained unaccounted for, prompting reports that the death toll could be as high as 43. However, that higher figure had not been independently confirmed by the police.
Rivers State Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident and said the victims were reportedly attempting to steal crude oil. She said no official complaint had been lodged with the command but that an investigation had commenced to establish what happened and determine the facts.
YEAC-Nigeria condemned the alleged sabotage and warned residents against tampering with oil infrastructure, citing the dangers associated with high-pressure petroleum products. The group also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to the site.
The incident highlights the continuing dangers of illegal oil bunkering and pipeline tapping in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, where unauthorised handling of petroleum products has repeatedly exposed communities to fires, toxic fumes, pollution and other hazards.
YEAC-Nigeria also urged the government to expand alternative livelihood opportunities in the region, including support for modular refineries and artisanal refining initiatives.
