Rivers Pipeline Incident: 43 Feared Dead, Several Missing

At least 43 people are feared dead following an incident involving suspected petroleum product inhalation at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, Rivers State, with several others reportedly missing.

The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while petroleum products were allegedly being transferred from a pipeline tapping point into boats.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) said it received reports from its network in the Niger Delta that at least 43 people had died, while several others remained unaccounted for. Some bodies were also reportedly seen floating on the river but had yet to be recovered.

According to the organisation, the victims were allegedly at the site when a petroleum product locally known as “Indorama fuel” was being transferred under high pressure. However, YEAC-Nigeria said the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths had not been independently confirmed.

The group called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to determine the cause and extent of the incident. It also urged residents to avoid unauthorised access to oil and gas facilities, warning of the dangers associated with petroleum products and high-pressure pipelines.

There was no official confirmation of the reported 43 deaths or the number of missing persons at the time of filing.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced. Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said those involved allegedly died while attempting to steal crude oil.

“The suspects reportedly died in the process of attempting to steal crude oil. However, no official complaint has been received in connection with the incident at this time,” Agabe said.

She added that the police were investigating to establish what happened and determine the facts surrounding the incident.