At Least 37 Die After Toxic Fumes Engulf Alleged Petrol Thieves in Rivers

At least 37 people were reportedly killed after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly attempting to scoop petrol from a pipeline at Okari Jetty in Okrika, Rivers State. More than 100 people were said to have arrived in small boats before several collapsed, with some reportedly falling into the Bonny River. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said others remain missing. Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said investigations are ongoing to verify the number of victims and establish exactly what happened. Pipeline vandalism and fuel theft remain major dangers in the Niger Delta. Beyond the loss of lives, the practice damages the environment, threatens waterways and undermines Nigeria's oil production. The tragedy also raises concerns about poverty, unemployment and the desperation that pushes people into such deadly activities.

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