Sharon IKECHUKWU
Five bodies have been recovered following a boat mishap in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, as search and rescue efforts continue for other missing passengers.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening along the Robertkiri waterways when a tugboat and a speedboat conveying more than 15 people reportedly collided.
The tragedy happened amid tensions surrounding the removal of an oil vessel from the community, with residents raising concerns over alleged oil pollution and outstanding payments to local vendors and host communities.
A community leader and pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, confirmed the recovery of the bodies on Thursday evening.
He said the recovered bodies would be taken to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt before being moved to the state police headquarters.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts are continuing as families await news of their missing relatives.
