Archive · 4 Sep 2026
At Least 37 Reported Dead in Nigeria Pipeline Incident
At least 37 people may have died in southern Nigeria.
An environmental group said they were trying to take oil from an illegal pipeline connection.
The group said dangerous fumes overwhelmed them while oil was being moved into boats.
The incident reportedly happened around midnight on Thursday at Okari Jetty in Okrika.
Some people may still be missing, and bodies were reportedly seen in the river.
Police confirmed that people died but did not confirm the number.
Officials are also checking what substance caused the deaths.
They are investigating whether negligence or other wrongdoing played a role.
At least 37 people reportedly died after inhaling fumes while attempting to tap an oil pipeline in Rivers State.
The incident allegedly occurred around midnight Thursday at Okari Jetty in Okrika while a vessel was loading.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said suspected thieves were siphoning petroleum products under high pressure into boats.
Police confirmed deaths but said the victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil and provided no toll.
Nigeria’s civil defence agency said casualty figures and the substance involved remained unverified while investigations continued.
- Who
- At least 37 people reportedly died; suspected oil thieves were involved according to the advocacy group and police account.
- What
- People reportedly died after inhaling fumes while attempting to siphon petroleum products from an oil pipeline or loading operation.
- When
- The incident reportedly occurred around midnight on Thursday and was reported on Friday, September 4.
- Where
- Okari Jetty in Okrika, Rivers State, southern Nigeria.
- Why
- The group and police said the victims were attempting to steal or siphon crude oil, allegedly exposing themselves to high-pressure fumes.
Advocacy Group’s Account
Authorities’ Position
Death toll
Advocacy Group’s Account
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said at least 37 people died and that others remained missing.
Authorities’ Position
Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps confirmed deaths but said the reported casualty figures were unverified.
Cause and substance
Advocacy Group’s Account
The group said victims inhaled toxic fumes released while petroleum products were siphoned under high pressure.
Authorities’ Position
The civil defence agency said the substance involved required technical confirmation, so the precise cause had not been established.
Circumstances
Advocacy Group’s Account
The group described suspected thieves using an illegal tapping point while a vessel was loading.
Authorities’ Position
Police said the victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil, while authorities continued investigating possible negligence, collusion or criminal facilitation.
- Reported death toll
- At least 37, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre; authorities have not confirmed the figure.
- Location
- Okari Jetty, Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria.
- Reported activity
- Suspected thieves were allegedly siphoning petroleum products into boats from an illegal tapping point while a vessel was loading.
- Reported cause
- The advocacy group attributed the deaths to inhaling toxic fumes under high pressure; officials said the substance required technical confirmation.
- Missing people
- The group said others were missing and that bodies had been seen floating in the river.
- Official response
- Police confirmed deaths without giving a toll, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps began working with security agencies to verify casualties.
- Investigation
- Authorities said they were examining the deaths, injuries, missing people and possible negligence, collusion or criminal facilitation.
