Key Facts

• The incident occurred in Rivers state, a major oil-producing area in Nigeria.
• Victims were siphoning crude oil from an unauthorized point on a loading vessel.
• The toxic fumes inhaled were released at high pressure during the illegal oil theft.
• The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center reported the deaths and ongoing searches for missing people.
• Nigerian police confirmed the incident and said they are investigating but have not yet released an official death toll.
• Oil theft is common in the Niger Delta region due to poverty and environmental harm caused by oil drilling.
• The Nigerian government loses billions of dollars every year from oil theft.
• Authorities have been trying to reduce oil theft through stricter enforcement.