The President General of notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Ambassador Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has described the overnight petroleum-related tragedy at Okrika Jetty in Rivers State as “very unfortunate and highly condemnable,” following reports that 43 people lost their lives after inhaling toxic fumes.
The incident is reported to have occurred around midnight on Thursday in Okrika Local Government Area, where a vessel was allegedly being loaded with petroleum products for export.
Sources familiar with the incident said the victims were allegedly engaged in the unauthorised siphoning of fuel from the vessel when they were exposed to poisonous fumes from the petroleum products.
The exposure reportedly led to multiple casualties, with the death toll said to have risen to 43.
Details surrounding the incident remained sketchy at the time of filing this report, including the identities of the deceased and whether there were any survivors.
Emergency responders and relevant authorities were said to be assessing the scene to ascertain the full scope of the tragedy.
Reacting to the development, Amb. Ibe expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and warned against the dangers of illegal petroleum siphoning around jetties and oil-handling facilities.
“It is very unfortunate that we have to wake up to news of 43 of our people losing their lives in such a tragic and avoidable manner,” he said.
“The incident at Okrika Jetty underscores the grave dangers associated with illegal fuel siphoning and economic sabotage. This is highly condemnable.”
The ONC President General urged youths in oil-producing communities to shun illegal activities that put their lives at risk, and called on security agencies to intensify surveillance around critical oil infrastructure.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the rising cases of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and unsafe handling of petroleum products in the Niger Delta.
Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that such activities not only cause massive revenue losses to government but also endanger lives and destroy the environment.
Authorities are expected to commence a full investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the incident and to establish the actual number of casualties.
Amb. Ibe commiserated with the families of the victims and the people of Okrika, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.