At least 43 suspected oil thieves have reportedly died in an incident involving toxic fumes in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The victims were said to have been involved in illegal oil-related activities when they inhaled fumes from a petroleum product, resulting in the deaths. Several others who were reportedly at the scene remain unaccounted for.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the dangers associated with illegal oil bunkering and refining activities in the Niger Delta, where hazardous substances and unsafe operating conditions have previously resulted in accidents and loss of lives.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the identities and number of people affected.
The development also underscores the continuing risks faced by individuals involved in illicit oil activities, as well as the broader environmental and security challenges linked to oil theft in the region.
