Tragedy at Okari Jetty: 37 Suspected Oil Thieves Die from Toxic Fumes in Rivers

​At least 37 suspected oil thieves have died after inhaling toxic petroleum fumes while attempting to siphon crude oil at the Okari jetty in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.

​The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, involved a crowd of over 100 youths from Okrika and surrounding communities. According to local accounts, the group converged on the facility to tap products from a pipeline linking the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical plant to the Port Harcourt Refinery, which supplies export vessels docked at the jetty.

​Eyewitnesses reported that a dense, overpowering cloud of gas suddenly blanketed the site as the youths were loading the product into their boats. The suffocating fumes quickly incapacitated many of the participants, causing them to collapse on the spot. Several victims fell directly into the river, while survivors were rushed to nearby medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment for severe acute respiratory distress.

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​SP Blessing Agabe, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated to determine the full scope of the event.

​”The suspects reportedly died in the process of attempting to steal crude oil,” Agabe stated. “However, no official complaint has been received in connection with the incident at this time. Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the facts.”

​Pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering remain critical safety and economic challenges across the Niger Delta region. Security agencies have repeatedly warned communities against tampering with high-pressure petroleum infrastructure, citing both environmental devastation and extreme hazards like the toxic vapor cloud that overwhelmed the jetty. Authorities indicate that forensic teams and local law enforcement are scouring the area as the probe continues.