Ten Drown in Rivers Clash Over Oil Spill Remediation

A tragic incident occurred in Rivers where ten individuals reportedly drowned during a confrontation between local youths and security operatives. The clash was triggered by an oil spill allegedly connected to a businessman with a contract in the area.

Community members sought to halt operations until remediation and compensation were addressed. Tensions escalated when uniformed personnel arrived with gunboats to move the vessel belongings to the businessman.

The youths questioned the actions of the military personnel, who then forced their way through, resulting in a collision with a community boat that capsized. Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a community leader and former spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), confirmed the incident and criticized the military's involvement, stating it exacerbated the situation.

He called for an investigation by the police and relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to recover the bodies and identify the victims.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army's 6 Division could not be reached for comment, and the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson promised to investigate.