At least 43 people are feared dead and several others are missing following an incident linked to illegal oil siphoning in Rivers State, the police have confirmed.
The victims were reportedly involved in an illegal oil-siphoning operation when they were exposed to hazardous substances. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
The Rivers State Police Command said it was working to determine the exact number of casualties and locate those still unaccounted for.
The command also said an investigation had commenced to establish what happened and identify those responsible for the illegal operation.
Rescue and security personnel were deployed to the scene as authorities continued efforts to recover possible victims and assess the extent of the incident.
The incident has renewed concerns about the risks associated with illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, where unauthorised oil siphoning and refining continue to threaten lives and the environment.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as rescue operations and investigations progress.
