At least 37 people have reportedly died after inhaling toxic fumes during an oil-related incident at Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The victims were said to have been among youths gathered around the jetty when fumes from a petroleum product spread through the area, causing several people to collapse. Many others were reportedly missing following the incident.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said the incident occurred during alleged illegal loading of petroleum products from a tapping point, while the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that an investigation had commenced.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged over the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, with the Civilian JTF in Okrika claiming some victims had gone to scoop petroleum products floating on the water when they were overwhelmed by fumes.
