Police authorities in Rivers State have confirmed that several people died after inhaling toxic petroleum products at Okrika Jetty in the early hours of Thursday, although the command said the exact number of casualties was still being determined.
Key Highlights
Police confirm deaths following a toxic petroleum incident at Okrika Jetty.
Authorities say the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
Sources claim as many as 37 people may have died.
More than 200 people were reportedly at the jetty when the incident occurred.
Some victims allegedly fell into the river while others developed severe respiratory complications.
Several people are reportedly still missing as police investigate the incident.
The Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident in a brief statement, saying investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and determine the actual number of casualties.
According to sources, the death toll could be as high as 37, although the figure had not been officially confirmed by the police as of the time of filing this report.
It was gathered that suspected oil thieves were allegedly loading illegally tapped petroleum products, locally referred to as “Indorama fuel,” at Okari Jetty in the Okrika Mainland area when they reportedly inhaled toxic fumes.
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More Than 200 People Reportedly at Jetty
Other accounts claimed that more than 200 people, mostly youths from neighbouring communities, had arrived at the jetty in locally made boats to collect the petroleum product from an allegedly illegally tapped point.
According to sources, some of the victims fell into the river after inhaling the toxic substance, while others managed to escape but later developed severe respiratory complications.
The affected persons were reportedly rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
Sources also said several people remained missing following the incident, raising concerns that the casualty figure could increase as search and rescue efforts continue.
The police have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the incident, establish the number of victims and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal petroleum operation.
