Dozens die in Nigeria oil theft attempt after inhaling toxic fumes

At least 37 people died in Nigeria’s oil-producing Rivers State as they were trying to steal oil from a loading vessel, an advocacy group said on Friday.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said the victims were simultaneously siphoning crude products into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday.

It caused them to inhale toxic fumes at high pressure, leading to their deaths. Many are still missing, according to the report, quoting a network of volunteers. The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but gave no death toll and said an investigation was underway.

“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” Blessing Agabe, Rivers State police spokesperson, said.

Oil theft is common in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, where decades of oil exploration have led to high levels of poverty and environmental degradation.