An attempt to steal oil from a loading vessel in Nigeria’s Rivers state resulted in at least 37 deaths, with most victims succumbing to toxic fumes, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center, a local advocacy group. The group reported that the victims were trying to siphon crude oil into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday. This process exposed them to high-pressure fumes, which were likely toxic and lethal. Many others are still missing, the group said, citing information from a network of volunteers monitoring the situation. The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but did not release a specific death toll, stating that an investigation was ongoing. Blessing Agabe, a spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, said, “The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil.” The police have not yet provided further details about the incident or the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Oil theft is a widespread issue in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which is Africa’s largest oil producer. Decades of oil exploration in the area have led to both economic hardship and severe environmental damage, fueling local resentment and contributing to the prevalence of illegal oil activities. The Nigerian government has acknowledged that oil theft costs the country several billion dollars each year and has been taking steps to crack down on the practice. This incident highlights the dangers faced by individuals involved in the illegal oil trade, as well as the broader challenges Nigeria faces in balancing economic development with environmental protection and public safety. While authorities continue their investigation, the tragedy underscores the need for effective measures to address both the root causes of oil theft and the risks it poses to local communities.