Police probe Rivers boat capsize, casualty figure uncertain

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into a boat capsize incident that reportedly occurred following a confrontation between youth and military personnel over an oil spill in Kula, Akuku-Iri Local Government Area. According to the police, the dispute involved a businessman whose boat was being used for a contract in the area.

As community members attempted to prevent further operations pending the remediation of the spill and compensation, men in uniform arrived in gunboats and attempted to move the vessel. The community youths challenged this move, leading to the incident. One gunboat reportedly struck a boat carrying the youths, causing it to capsize.

The exact number of casualties remains under investigation, with the police confirming that ten people are feared dead.