No fewer than 37 persons suspected to be involved in oil theft have reportedly died after inhaling a petroleum product believed to be crude oil in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 3, when more than 100 persons, mostly youths from Okrika and neighbouring communities, reportedly stormed Okari Jetty to tap petroleum products from a pipeline.
The pipeline transports petroleum products from the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical facility to the Port Harcourt Refinery and vessels that regularly visit the area to load products for export.
According to eyewitnesses, the youths were loading the petroleum product into boats when a strong smell suddenly enveloped the area, causing several of them to collapse.
While some of the victims reportedly fell into the river, others who escaped were taken to hospitals, where they were said to be receiving treatment for serious respiratory complications.
Confirming the incident, SP Blessing Agabe, spokesperson for the Rivers Police Command, said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The suspects reportedly died in the process of attempting to steal crude oil. However, no official complaint has been received in connection with the incident at this time.
“Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the facts,” Agabe said.
