Conflicting Death Figures Trail Rivers Toxic-Fume Incident

Conflicting casualty figures have followed a toxic-fume incident at Okari Jetty in Okrika, Rivers State, after people suspected of siphoning petroleum products reportedly collapsed during an illegal loading operation.

Channels TV reported at least 37 deaths, while Vanguard reported community claims of 43 dead and others missing. Vanguard also reported that the Rivers State Police Command could not confirm the actual number of casualties and said an investigation was ongoing.

The incident reportedly happened around midnight on Thursday, September 3, when more than 100 people from Okrika and nearby communities went to the jetty in locally made boats to load petroleum products from an illegally tapped point.

A community source told Channels TV that a strong smell filled the area during the loading, causing many people to collapse. Some victims reportedly fell into the river, while others who escaped were treated for serious breathing problems.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre also said its volunteer network in the Niger Delta reported deaths after victims inhaled what residents described locally as “Indorama Fuel”. Authorities had not confirmed a final death toll in the verified reports.

Sources: Channels TV, Vanguard, Punch