Several feared dead as boat capsizes amid oil dispute in Rivers community
A dispute over oil operations in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, has taken a tragic turn, with several people feared dead after a boat capsized amid tensions over alleged community entitlements. The incident occurred at the Robert-Kiri axis of Kula, where some youths reportedly tried to prevent the removal of the ANAMBRA […] Several feared dead as boat capsizes amid oil…
A tragic oil dispute in Kula, Rivers State has resulted in a boat capsizing, leaving several individuals feared dead. According to a Kula elder, Anabs Sara-Igbe, tensions over the removal of an ANAMBRA BASIN vessel led to the incident. The vessel, owned by Ibeto, had been operating in the area for two years. Despite community concerns, including unpaid obligations, more than six gunboats were reportedly dispatched to retrieve the vessel before a scheduled meeting between representatives could occur.
The confrontation resulted in a boat being hit by a gunboat, causing it to capsize. The death toll is suspected to be at least ten, with two security personnel and eight community members among the victims. Police and other authorities have been deployed to investigate the cause of the incident. The Kula Youth Organization has called for calm and an investigation, urging authorities to hold individuals responsible accountable.
Max Shipping Services Limited, the vessel's operator, stated that they hired the ANAMBRA BASIN FSO to Menal Technical Services Limited for use at Kula, alleging that Menal had failed to pay hire fees.
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