At least 10 persons are feared dead after a community boat capsized during a confrontation between residents and security operatives over an oil spill at Oil Mining Lease 55 in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday amid tensions over an alleged oil spill linked to operations at the oil asset involving businessman Cletus Ibeto.
Community members had reportedly moved to stop further operations at the site, demanding remediation of the affected environment and compensation for residents affected by the spill.
The situation allegedly escalated when security operatives arrived at the location to facilitate the movement of an offshore vessel, triggering a confrontation with youths from the community.
Reports indicated that a community boat capsized during the confrontation, leaving several persons feared dead.
A community leader, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, confirmed the incident and alleged that the arrival of armed personnel worsened tensions despite efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully.
According to him, the community had been trying to prevent a breakdown of law and order before the confrontation occurred.
“The confrontation occurred amid attempts by residents to resist the alleged forceful re-entry to the site, during which a community boat capsized while trying to resist them,” Sara-Igbe said.
He called on the police and other relevant security authorities to investigate the incident and establish the circumstances that led to the boat capsize and the reported deaths.
The community leader also questioned the decision to deploy armed personnel to the area, arguing that dialogue should have been prioritised in resolving the dispute over the oil spill and related community grievances.
He disclosed that all those feared dead were male, although the identities of the victims and the precise number of casualties had yet to be officially established.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident and said an investigation had commenced to determine the actual number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said the command was investigating the reported loss of lives in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Agabe said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt said it was not immediately aware of the incident but promised to make inquiries.
The incident has renewed concerns over tensions between host communities and operators in oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, particularly disputes involving environmental pollution, compensation and the conduct of oil-related operations.
Authorities are expected to establish the sequence of events that led to the confrontation, the circumstances surrounding the boat capsize and the extent of the casualties.
