37 die from fumes during pipeline theft in Nigeria

At least 37 people have died after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly trying to steal fuel from an oil pipeline in Rivers State, a local environmental group has said.

The incident happened early Thursday in Okrika Local Government Area of the oil-rich Niger Delta, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria).

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The group said its network of youth volunteers and human rights defenders confirmed that no fewer than 37 people died after inhaling fumes from what it described as “Indorama fuel”.

YEAC-Nigeria said those who died were suspected to be involved in oil theft, adding that several others were still missing.

Oil theft and illegal refining are common in the Niger Delta, where criminals often break into pipelines to steal crude oil or petroleum products. Such activities have also caused serious pollution and led to several deadly accidents.

The latest incident adds to concerns over the dangers associated with illegal oil operations in the region, particularly the risk of exposure to toxic fumes and fires.

Authorities had yet to give an official figure for the casualties at the time of the report.