Agency Report
At least 37 people died in southern Nigeria after inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged oil theft. Those missing are still being searched for.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday morning in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. According to a local non-governmental organization, the victims were likely attempting to steal oil from the pipeline and transfer it into their own boats.
Many people are still considered missing, and some bodies were seen floating in the river, the organization reported.
The Nigerian police confirmed the incident but did not disclose the number of people killed or injured.
Oil theft remains a serious problem for Nigeria, which is one of Africa’s largest oil producers.
In the Niger Delta, smugglers regularly damage pipelines to steal oil and illegally refine it into fuel for sale