Okrika Deaths: HOMEF Demands Urgent Safety Measures Around Oil Facilities
The recurring danger posed by petroleum infrastructure to host communities must be treated as a national emergency, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has warned, following reports of deaths at Okari Jetty Creeks in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, the environmental organisation urged the Federal and state governments to urgently strengthen safety measures around petroleum facilities and protect residents who are routinely exposed to oil and gas-related hazards.
Reports from the Okrika incident indicated that about 37 people were feared dead after allegedly inhaling fumes from a petroleum product popularly known as “Indorama fuel” and technically identified as CRACK C5. An explosion was also reportedly linked to the incident, although the actual number of casualties remained uncertain.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the occurrence and said investigations were ongoing, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reportedly said its personnel had sighted four corpses at the scene, underscoring the need for authorities to establish the facts and provide an accurate account of the tragedy
Bassey said the incident should not be viewed in isolation, pointing to a wider pattern of unresolved petroleum-related threats. He cited the wellhead fire at Ofiomina-Ama in Okrika, reportedly burning since February 2024, the Ororo-1 oil well fire off Awoye in Ondo State, burning since May 2020, and methane bubbling reported in Bille, Rivers State, since December 2025.
The environmentalist called for the implementation of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission Report, arguing that the protection of human life and the environment should take precedence over petroleum extraction and economic interests.
HOMEF also called on the Federal and state governments, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), petroleum operators and other regulators to ensure that oil facilities are properly maintained, secured and routinely monitored. It further demanded functional emergency-response systems, community hazard awareness, warning mechanisms and adequate preparedness to reduce the impact of future incidents, while expressing condolences to families and communities affected by the Okrika tragedy and urging authorities to provide appropriate support to victims.
