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At least 37 killed by toxic fumes during alleged petrol theft in Nigeria, reports say
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- At least 37 people have died after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly stealing petrol from a pipeline in Rivers State, Nigeria, with many more still missing following the incident at Okari Jetty in Okrika.
- The theft involved over 100 individuals collecting refined fuel known locally as "Indorama fuel" or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with some reportedly collapsing and falling into the Bonny River or being hospitalized.
- Pipeline theft has been a longstanding issue in Nigeria's Niger Delta, where criminal groups siphon oil and petroleum products for black market sale, causing significant environmental and economic harm.
- Nigerian authorities, including the Security and Civil Defence Corps and the navy, are investigating the incident, condemning illegal tapping, and increasing security operations to combat oil theft in the region.
- Nigeria aims to boost oil production to three million barrels per day by 2030, relying on enhanced security and reforms to attract investment amid ongoing challenges from theft and insecurity.
