At least 37 people died in Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers state while allegedly attempting to steal crude oil from a loading vessel. An advocacy group said the victims inhaled toxic fumes at high pressure while siphoning crude from an illegal tapping point. Many others remain missing. Police confirmed the deaths and said an investigation is underway.
Abuja (Nigeria): At least 37 people died in Nigeria's oil-producing Rivers state as they were trying to steal oil from a loading vessel, an advocacy group said Friday.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said the victims were simultaneously siphoning crude products into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday. It caused them to inhale toxic fumes at high pressure, leading to their deaths. Many are still missing, according to the report, quoting a network of volunteers.
The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but gave no death toll and said an investigation was underway.
“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” Blessing Agabe, Rivers State police spokesperson, said.
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