Rescue operations have intensified following a tragic boat accident along the Robertkiri waterways in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, involved a collision between a tugboat and a speedboat carrying over 15 passengers from the community, leaving about ten people feared dead.
Reports indicate that the tugboat, operated by security personnel, was attempting to tow a 200,000-barrel capacity oil vessel owned by the Ibeto Group when the accident happened.
The victims were reportedly part of a protest against the departure of the oil vessel, citing concerns over water pollution, unpaid local vendors, and outstanding royalties owed to host communities.
State Police Public Relations Officer Blessing Agabe confirmed the loss of life but stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Community members allege that the company’s activities have polluted local waterways and fishing areas, and that it has failed to meet its financial obligations to vendors and the host community.
A community source, who wished to remain anonymous, described the ongoing search and rescue efforts, which involve the police, local chiefs, and residents combing through the creeks and waterways.
As of Wednesday night, eight people had been rescued alive, but no bodies had been recovered.
On Thursday morning, the police spokesperson said there were no new updates but promised to share further information as it became available.
In response to the incident and related allegations, the Ibeto Group, through its subsidiary Max Shipping Services Limited, issued a statement denying that its chairman, Dr. Cletus Ibeto, was directly responsible for the tragedy.
The company clarified that while it owns the vessel, it does not operate the oilfield or manage petroleum operations in the community.
According to the statement, the vessel had been leased to Menal Technical Services Limited under a marine equipment hire agreement, and the retrieval was due to prolonged unpaid hire fees. The company also noted that all crude oil had been discharged before the demobilization process began.
The Ibeto Group expressed deep concern over reports attributing blame for the incident to its chairman or misrepresenting the vessel’s recovery as part of oilfield operations.
The company emphasized that Menal Technical Services Limited, as the hirer, was responsible for the vessel’s operations and community-related obligations. The statement expressed sympathy for those affected by the accident and called for a thorough investigation by security agencies.
The company urged all parties to remain calm, avoid violence, and allow authorities to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
