At least 37 die from gas poisoning during oil theft in Nigeria's Rivers state

At least 37 people died after inhaling toxic fumes during an oil theft operation in the Okrika area of Rivers state in southern Nigeria, a local civil society group said. The Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre said the victims had been attempting to siphon fuel from a crude-carrying pipeline operated by Endorama Eleme Petrochemical Company. According to the group, the individuals, widely known locally as "oil thieves," had attached a suction device to the pipeline and were transferring crude into their boats when they were overcome by the gas. The crude was being moved onto export vessels via the Port Harcourt refinery, the statement added. Several others remain missing, and some bodies have been seen floating in the river but have not yet been recovered, the advocacy group said. Rivers state police confirmed the incident, saying the deaths likely occurred during the attempted theft, but did not release an official toll.