Africa

Rivers State Sends Health Team to Okrika as Groups Dispute Reports of 37 Deaths

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of an oil-polluted Niger Delta waterway receding between blackened muddy banks and palm-lined tropical vegetation, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

Rivers State’s Health Ministry sent a team to Okrika on Friday to assess conflicting reports about deaths at Okari Jetty, ministry spokesperson Edna Alete said. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said at least 37 people died after exposure to fumes while petroleum products were allegedly being siphoned, while police confirmed deaths but gave no toll. The Lifesaving Warfare Initiative said its enquiries with security agencies found no credible evidence for the 37-death report. A local Civilian JTF commander said roughly 10 bodies had been seen; the state’s assessment had not yet established what happened.

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