Oil Thieves: 37 Suspects Die In Rivers After Inhaling Toxic Substance
No fewer than 37 persons have reportedly died in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, after inhaling substance believed to be petroleum fumes during an alleged oil theft operation.
No fewer than 37 persons have reportedly died in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, after inhaling substance believed to be petroleum fumes during an alleged oil theft operation.
The suspected oil thieves died on Thursday, September 3, 2026, around Okari Jetty in the early hours of morning.
It was alleged that over 100 people, mostly youths from Okrika and neighbouring communities, had converged on the area to allegedly siphon petroleum products from a pipeline linked to the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical facility and the Port Harcourt Refinery.
They had arrived the area in boats and were loading the products when a strong smell suddenly erupted across the area, leading to the collapse and fainting of many of the youths after inhaling the substance, with some falling into the river.
It further said that 37 people died on the spot, while several others who escaped the scene were reportedly taken to hospitals for treatment after developing serious respiratory complications.
Details of the incident were scanty, even as relevant authorities have yet to confirm all the death toll or the type of the substance in hailed by the victims.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the death of some people, adding that investigations had begun.
According to her, the victims were allegedly involved in an attempt to steal crude oil, although no formal complaint had been received by the police at the time of the report.
It was alleged that over 100 people, mostly youths from Okrika and neighbouring communities, had converged on the area to allegedly siphon petroleum products from a pipeline linked to the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical facility and the Port Harcourt Refinery.
They had arrived the area in boats and were loading the products when a strong smell suddenly erupted across the area, leading to the collapse and fainting of many of the youths after inhaling the substance, with some falling into the river.
It further said that 37 people died on the spot, while several others who escaped the scene were reportedly taken to hospitals for treatment after developing serious respiratory complications.
Details of the incident were scanty, even as relevant authorities have yet to confirm all the death toll or the type of the substance in hailed by the victims.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the death of some people, adding that investigations had begun.
According to her, the victims were allegedly involved in an attempt to steal crude oil, although no formal complaint had been received by the police at the time of the report.
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