The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State has said the circumstances surrounding the deaths of over 37 youths at an illegal petroleum tapping point in Okari Jetty, Okrika Local Government Area, will be thoroughly investigated.

In a statement on Friday, the Special Assistant Media and Communication in the Rivers State Command of NSCDC, Olufemi Ayodele, said the command has taken note of various reports concerning the tragic incident.

He said some persons allegedly involved in the illegal tapping and scooping of petroleum products reportedly lost their lives following exposure to hazardous petroleum fumes.

He quoted the Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr Dennis Reuben, as commiserating with the families and communities affected by the unfortunate incident and assured the public that the mystery behind the unfortunate incident will be unraveled as the Command was working in collaboration with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

He said, “While various casualty figures are currently being circulated at different quarters, the Command advises the public and the media to rely only on officially verified information, as efforts are ongoing to establish the accurate number of persons deceased, injured or still unaccounted for.

“The exact nature of the petroleum substance involved is also subject to technical verification and should not be conclusively described until properly established.

“The Command, under the leadership of the State Commandant, Dr Dennis Reuben, remains resolute in the discharge of its statutory responsibility to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, particularly petroleum pipelines, oil and gas facilities and other strategic economic assets across Rivers State.

“The Command is all out strengthening surveillance, intelligence gathering, waterways patrols and rapid-response operations around vulnerable locations and pipeline corridors to prevent vandalism, illegal bunkering, unlawful tapping and other forms of economic sabotage.

“The recent deployment of two gunboats to the Rivers State Command, approved by the Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has further enhanced the operational capacity of the Command to secure the waterways and respond effectively to criminal activities within the maritime environment.

“The circumstances surrounding the reported illegal tapping point, including access to the facility, the presence of boats and persons at the location, the status of the affected infrastructure and any possible negligence, collusion or criminal facilitation, will be subjected to appropriate investigation. The Command will not pre-empt the outcome of such investigations.

“The NSCDC strongly condemns the dangerous practice of illegally tapping, scooping or siphoning petroleum products from pipelines and other petroleum infrastructure. Such acts constitute serious threats to human lives, the environment, national security and the economy.

“The Command therefore warns individuals, criminal syndicates and their collaborators involved in pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, unlawful petroleum dealings and related acts of economic sabotage to desist immediately or face the full consequences of the law.

“Under the leadership of Dr Dennis Reuben, the Rivers State Command remains committed to a proactive, intelligence-led and professionally coordinated approach to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

“The Command will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security Service, Nigeria Police Force, relevant government agencies, petroleum-sector stakeholders and host communities to safeguard lives and strategic national assets.

“Commandant Reuben further calls on members of the public to promptly provide credible information on suspicious activities around pipelines, oil facilities and waterways.

“He noted that; NSCDC Rivers State Command remains vigilant, operationally ready and unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding critical national assets and combating economic sabotage.”

Daily Trust had reported how over 37 persons on Thursday were choked to death while they were tapping crude products from the vessel that was loading at Okari jetty, Okrika local government area of Rivers State.

Several others are still missing from the incident. (Daily Trust)