At least 43 people have reportedly died after inhaling a petroleum product at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Several others are also feared missing following the incident, which occurred on Thursday night and has sparked concern among residents of the area.
The victims were reportedly among hundreds of youths from neighbouring communities who arrived at the jetty in locally made boats, allegedly to siphon petroleum products from an illegally tapped point.
Reports indicate that a vessel had anchored at the riverside jetty to load petroleum products for export when the incident occurred.
The victims are suspected to have been involved in oil theft.
The Rivers State Police Command, through its spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed that deaths were recorded in the incident.
Agabe said the victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil, adding that the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed.
She said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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