37 Dead in Nigeria Pipeline Incident
At least 37 people died after inhaling fumes while attempting to tap an oil pipeline in southern Nigeria. An environmental group reported the midnight incident in Rivers State, highlighting persistent crude oil theft.
At least 37 people died after inhaling fumes while attempting to tap a petroleum pipeline in southern Nigeria, an environmental group said on Friday morning. The incident marks the highest known death toll from pipeline vandalism in the region since October 2023. Crude oil theft and illegal tapping continue to plague the Niger Delta, causing severe pollution and economic losses for the energy sector.
The disaster unfolded overnight on Thursday at the Okari Jetty in Rivers State as a vessel loaded petroleum products, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre. Suspected thieves were siphoning fuel into boats under high pressure when the fatal leak occurred, leaving several others missing and bodies floating in the river. Police spokesperson ASP Blessing Kaborlo Agabe said investigators are working to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
