At least 37 people are feared dead following a suspected petroleum product inhalation incident at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, Rivers State, while several others remain missing.
The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday, September 3, during an alleged illegal petroleum siphoning operation at the jetty.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, said it received reports that no fewer than 37 people had died after inhaling what residents locally refer to as “Indorama fuel”. Its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, called for an investigation into the incident. (ThisDayLive)
According to reports, more than 200 youths from Okrika and neighbouring communities were allegedly at the location in wooden boats when petroleum products were being transferred from an illegally tapped point on a pipeline.
The victims were reportedly exposed to concentrated fumes as the petroleum product was being pumped through the pipeline at high pressure.
Some people reportedly collapsed at the scene, while others were said to have fallen into the river. Several survivors were also reportedly left with breathing difficulties.
Fyneface said some bodies were seen floating on the river, although several had yet to be recovered.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that an incident occurred but said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances and determine the actual number of casualties.
Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the victims were reportedly attempting to steal crude oil.
The latest reports have produced varying casualty figures. While YEAC-Nigeria initially reported at least 37 deaths, community sources have subsequently put the number at 43, with some reports saying six of those victims had not been identified. The higher figure had not been officially confirmed by the police at the time of reporting. (The Cable)
YEAC-Nigeria urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to establish the cause and extent of the incident.
The organisation also called on operators of affected oil infrastructure to strengthen security around pipelines and urged governments to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for communities in the Niger Delta.
The incident has again drawn attention to the dangers associated with illegal oil tapping and the handling of petroleum products under high pressure.
Authorities are expected to determine the precise circumstances of the incident and establish the confirmed number of casualties as the investigation progresses.
