Community Leader Reports Boat Capsize in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed a tragic boat capsize incident linked to a confrontation between youths and men in military uniform over an oil spill in Kula, Akuku-Iri Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when community members attempted to halt operations by a contractor until remediation and compensation were addressed.

Tensions escalated when uniformed personnel arrived in gunboats to relocate a businessman’s vessel, leading to a confrontation with local youths. During this altercation, one of the gunboats struck a community boat, causing it to capsize.

Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a community leader and spokeswoman for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, stated that ten people are feared dead and called for an investigation into the incident. He condemned the military's involvement, claiming it exacerbated the situation.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident but noted that the exact casualty figure is still being determined.