PORT HARCOURT: A major tragedy was reported in Nigeria’s Rivers State after several people allegedly inhaled toxic fumes while attempting to siphon crude oil from a pipeline, with local environmental groups claiming that 37 people may have died.

The incident reportedly took place around midnight on Thursday in the Okrika area of Rivers State. The death toll, however, has not yet been officially confirmed by the authorities.

According to YEAC-Nigeria, an environmental non-governmental organisation, a group of people allegedly made an illegal connection to an oil pipeline and attempted to divert crude oil into their boats. Toxic gases are believed to have been released during the operation, leaving several people unconscious and reportedly causing multiple deaths.

The organisation said some people were still unaccounted for following the incident.

The police confirmed that the incident was linked to an alleged attempt to steal crude oil but did not provide details of the number of casualties.

Rivers State police spokesperson Blessing Kaborl Agabe said an investigation was under way to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the number of people affected.

Nigeria has long struggled with illegal oil tapping and crude theft, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, where such activities have also raised concerns over environmental damage and public safety.