Environmentalist and climate justice advocate Nnimmo Bassey has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of at least 37 people reportedly involved in an illegal oil siphoning operation in Okrika, Rivers State.
The police in Rivers State confirmed the deaths but said they will continue to investigate the details.
“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” the Command spokesperson, Blessing Agbabe, told DW News, a German international broadcast station.
Mr Bassey, in a commentary titled “Gassing the Niger Delta,” said the incident should prompt urgent action to address longstanding environmental and safety concerns in the oil-producing region.
The deaths were reported on Thursday at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, where people suspected of illegal oil bunkering had gathered to load petroleum products. Community sources and the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) said at least 37 people died after inhaling fumes. Several others were reported missing.
