–RIVERS STATE, Nigeria
At least 37 people died in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, after inhaling toxic fumes while illegally extracting petroleum products at the Okari jetty in Okrika, Rivers State. More than 100 youths from the area and nearby communities arrived in wooden boats around midnight to load products from a tapped pipeline, taking advantage of a tanker conducting loading operations nearby.
Intense fumes emanating from the high-pressure product linked to the Indorama Eleme corridor and known locally as ‘Indorama fuel’ overcame them unexpectedly. Many collapsed; some fell into the river and drowned. Survivors suffered severe respiratory distress and were rushed to the hospital. Community sources place the death toll at 43, noting that several people are missing and bodies were later spotted floating in the water.
The Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre YEAC-Nigeria confirmed at least 37 deaths through its local networks. Rivers State police stated that the victims died while attempting to steal petroleum products and reported that investigations are underway to determine the full details and the exact casualty count.
Advocacy groups and local leaders have called for enhanced pipeline security and the provision of alternative livelihoods for young people to reduce the risks associated with these illegal activities.