43 Die in Rivers ‘Illegal Fuel Siphoning’ Operation

At least 43 people have died after inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged illegal fuel siphoning operation in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland.

A vessel was loading petroleum products for export when the tragedy occurred.

Sources in the community said more than 200 youths arrived from neighbouring communities in wooden boats.

They allegedly tried to siphon fuel through an illegally connected pipe at a pipeline tapping point linked to the facility.

The victims reportedly inhaled concentrated chemical fumes while loading the petroleum product into their boats.

Many lost consciousness during the operation.

Some victims fell into the river and drowned, while others escaped with severe respiratory complications.

Those who survived are receiving treatment, according to community sources.

Sources said residents have identified 37 of the deceased as indigenes of Okrika.

Six others remained unidentified as of Thursday.

Several people also remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase.

Blessing Agabe, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident.

Agabe said the police had launched an investigation to determine what happened and establish the actual number of casualties.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also called for an investigation into the incident.

Its Executive Director, Fyneface Fyneface, said the victims had allegedly connected a pipe to a tapping point on a pipeline carrying petroleum products.

The pipeline, he said, runs from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals through the Port Harcourt refinery corridor to export vessels.

Fyneface said the youths loaded the product into waiting boats while another vessel received supplies from the pipeline.

He described the substance involved as what locals call “Indorama Fuel”.

“Many others are still missing,” Fyneface said while recounting the incident.

He said the incident happened at about midnight on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Okari Jetty.

YEAC-Nigeria urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a joint investigation.

The group also called on operators of oil and gas facilities to tighten security around their infrastructure.

Fyneface warned youths against tampering with pipelines and other oil facilities.

He stressed that petroleum products transported under high pressure could pose serious risks to anyone who interferes with the system.

Beyond security measures, he urged the government to tackle the economic pressures that drive young people into illegal oil activities.

He called for alternative livelihood programmes across the Niger Delta.

Such measures, he said, should include modular refineries, formalisation of artisanal refining and wider industrial development.

The Okrika tragedy adds to growing concerns over the dangers associated with illegal oil bunkering and crude-related activities in the Niger Delta.