POLICE PROBE RIVERS BOAT CAPSIZE AS CASUALTY FIGURE REMAINS UNCERTAIN

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a boat capsize in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, following a confrontation reportedly involving community youths and men in military uniform over an oil spill.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, October 20, as residents reportedly attempted to stop further work by a contractor until the affected environment was remediated and compensation was addressed. While a community leader said 10 people were feared dead, police said the exact number of casualties had yet to be established.

According to reports, tensions escalated when men in uniform arrived in gunboats and allegedly attempted to move a vessel belonging to a businessman involved in operations in the area. Youths reportedly challenged the move, insisting that concerns over the oil spill and compensation should be addressed before work resumed.

During the confrontation, one of the gunboats allegedly struck a boat carrying youths, causing it to capsize.

Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a community leader and pioneer spokeswoman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, confirmed the incident and called for an investigation. He alleged that the arrival of the uniformed personnel worsened tensions and disrupted efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully.

Sara-Igbe said 10 people were feared dead. He also said the community intended to take the victims’ bodies to the Rivers State Government House and the police and Army headquarters in Port Harcourt to draw attention to the incident.

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division spokesperson in Port Harcourt, Lieutenant Colonel Umar, told PUNCH he was unaware of the incident but would make inquiries.

Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the incident had resulted in loss of life but said investigators were still working to determine the casualty figure and establish what happened.

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the incident in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, which reportedly resulted in the loss of lives,” Agabe said.

“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

As of Wednesday, October 21, police had not confirmed the number of people who died. The reported involvement of security personnel and the circumstances that led to the boat capsizing also remained under investigation.