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At least 37 people died after inhaling toxic fumes while stealing oil from a pipeline in Nigeria's Rivers State

At least 37 people died after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly stealing oil from a pipeline in Nigeria's Rivers State. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center reported that the victims were siphoning crude products into their boats from an illegal tapping point on Thursday. The fumes were released at high pressure, causing many of the victims to collapse or fall into the Bonny River. While some were taken to hospital, many others remain missing. Nigerian police confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the final death toll. Blessing Agabe, the Rivers State police spokesperson, confirmed the deaths and stated that the victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil. Oil theft is a common occurrence in the Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The Nigerian government has been clamping down on the under-reported practice to reduce annual losses of several billion dollars. The Nigerian navy has also increased maritime security operations to combat oil thieves who often hide in the dense mangrove forests.

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