37 people die while attempting to steal oil from pipeline in Nigeria

At least 37 people have died from toxic fumes while attempting to steal oil from a pipeline in Nigeria's southern Niger Delta region.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), cited by Report, a local NGO said the incident occurred early Thursday near a settlement in the Okirika district of Rivers State. A group of oil thieves cut into the pipeline and connected pipes to siphon crude oil for subsequent illegal sale.

The organization said the bodies were found in a river, while many people are still missing.

The oil belongs to Indorama Eleme Petrochemical, which exports crude oil produced at the Port Harcourt refinery abroad.

Oil theft from pipelines is common in southern Nigeria, where the country's main oil production facilities are concentrated.