At least 37 killed by toxic fumes during alleged petrol theft in Nigeria, reports say

Share Save Add as preferred on Google Makuochi Okafor , BBC Africa, Lagos and Karina Igonikon , BBC Pidgin, Port Harcourt YEAC People watched on anxiously as locals organise a rescue effort At least 37 people have died after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly stealing petrol from a pipeline in Nigeria's Rivers State, an environmental group in the oil-rich region says.

Many are still missing after more than 100 people descended on Okari Jetty in Okrika in small boats to collect the refined fuel under cover of darkness, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC).

The police told the BBC an investigation was ongoing to determine the figures of those affected after people reportedly collapsed - with local reports saying some fell into the Bonny River while others were taken to hospital.

Theft from pipelines has been a problem for decades in Nigeria's oil hub.