43 Feared Dead After Fuel Siphoning Operation Turns Deadly in Rivers

(Scene of the fuel theft incident in Okrika, Rivers State. Photo by Naijaonpoint)

In the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, a “illegal fuel siphoning operation” resulted in the deaths of at least 43 persons due to toxic fume inhalation.

A ship was loading petroleum products for export at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland when the event happened on Thursday at around midnight.

More than 200 young people from nearby settlements arrived in wooden boats.

According to local sources, and tried to siphon fuel from an illegally connected tapping point on a pipeline connecting to the facility.

Many of the victims lost consciousness after being subjected to intense chemical fumes while loading the substance into their boats, according to witnesses.

According to reports, several people drowned after falling into the river, while others managed to escape with serious respiratory issues and are currently undergoing treatment.

According to sources, 37 of the dead have been recognized as Okrika natives, while the identities of the remaining six are still unknown.

There are still a number of persons missing.

The event was confirmed by Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Blessing Agabe.

According to Agabe, inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the precise number of casualties are still underway.

The victims had connected a pipe to a tapping point on a pipeline carrying petroleum products from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals through the Port Harcourt refinery corridor to export vessels.

According to a statement released by Fyneface Fyneface, executive director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center (YEAC-Nigeria).

He claimed that while a vessel was getting supplies from the pipeline, the victims were putting the merchandise into boats that were waiting.

The article states that at least 37 people who were thought to be oil thieves perished after breathing in what is known locally as “Indorama Fuel.”

“Many more are still unaccounted for,” Fyneface stated.

The event happened at a tapping point when the merchandise was being illegally loaded onto a ship.

“On Thursday, September 3, 2026, at around 12:00 am, the incident is reported to have happened at the Okari Jetty, Okrika Mainland area.”

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) was urged by YEAC-Nigeria to jointly investigate the incident.

In order to stop illicit bunkering and vandalism, Fyneface also advised the operators of the impacted sites to bolster security around oil and gas infrastructure.

Citing the risks of transporting petroleum products under high pressure, he cautioned young people against interfering with oil and gas facilities.

Through projects like modular refineries, the formalization of artisanal refining, and industrial development programs, Fyneface pressed the government to establish alternative livelihood prospects in the Niger Delta.