At least 37 people have died in Nigeria after inhaling toxic fumes during what has been described as an oil theft attempt, according to an environmental group and a community group, though authorities have yet to confirm an official death toll.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- At least 37 people are reported dead, according to an environmental group.
- The deaths are linked to inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged pipeline oil theft attempt.
- A community group has also reported the incident, according to the BBC.
- Authorities have not yet determined an official death toll.
At least 37 people have died in Nigeria after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly attempting to steal oil, according to an environmental group cited by Sky News.
The BBC reported that a community group said Nigerians died after inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged pipeline theft. The broadcaster noted that authorities have yet to determine an official death toll, though some reports put the number of dead at at least 37.
The figures reported so far come from an environmental group and a community group rather than from official government sources, and the toll remains unconfirmed by the authorities.
Details about the exact location, timing and circumstances of the incident were not specified in the available reports. The accounts consistently describe the deaths as resulting from toxic fumes connected to an alleged attempt to steal oil from a pipeline.
As authorities work to establish an official death toll, the reported figures may change. The information currently available is attributed to the environmental and community groups referenced by Sky News and the BBC.
Why it matters
Oil theft and pipeline tampering are long-standing challenges in Nigeria, one of the world's major oil producers, and incidents like this can carry deadly consequences for those involved and surrounding communities. The reported deaths underscore the dangers tied to illegal fuel extraction and the difficulty authorities face in monitoring and responding to such events.
Frequently asked questions
How many people died in the incident?
At least 37 people are reported to have died, according to an environmental group cited by Sky News, though authorities have not yet confirmed an official death toll.
What caused the deaths?
According to the reports, the deaths were caused by inhaling toxic fumes during an alleged pipeline oil theft attempt.
Has the government confirmed the death toll?
No. The BBC reported that authorities have yet to determine an official death toll, with the figures so far coming from a community group and an environmental group.
Timeline
- Nigerians die after inhaling toxic fumes during alleged pipeline theft, community group says
BBC Science: The authorities are yet to determine an official death toll, but some reports say at least 37 are dead.
- Dozens die in Nigeria after inhaling toxic fumes in 'oil theft attempt'
Sky News: At least 37 people have died in Nigeria while attempting to steal oil, according to an environmental group.