Nigeria: Police Confirm Rivers Legal Oil-Siphoning Tragedy As 43 Suspected Thieves Die

What the report says

Police in Rivers State have confirmed a deadly oil-loading incident in Okrika Local Government Area, in southern Nigeria, after reports that dozens of suspected fuel thieves died following exposure to petroleum vapour. The event was reported to have taken place around midnight on Thursday at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, where a vessel was said to be loading petroleum products for export.

According to the Leadership report distributed by AllAfrica, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) said more than 200 people, largely youths from nearby communities, arrived in locally made boats to draw fuel from a tapped pipeline point. A strong petroleum smell reportedly spread through the area, causing people to choke, collapse and, in some cases, fall into the river. The group and community sources said several victims were missing, while some of the injured were taken to hospital with breathing problems.

YEAC-Nigeria said its volunteers initially received reports of at least 37 deaths, while other accounts put the total at 43. The Rivers State police spokesperson confirmed the incident but said investigators were still working to establish the exact number of casualties and the full circumstances.

The report underscores the continuing risks linked to illegal oil theft and pipeline tampering in the Niger Delta. YEAC-Nigeria called for a joint investigation and for stronger security around oil infrastructure, while also urging authorities to expand lawful livelihood options for people drawn into artisanal refining and related activities.