Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has expressed concerns over the tragic and shocking death of three men, which occurred in Aminigboko community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Cisca News reports that the incident happened in Aminigboko, an oil and gas-rich community known for hosting operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Residents of the community are said to be in fear and grief after the three able-bodied men reportedly died inside a dry well under mysterious circumstances.
Reacting to the sad development, the ONC, through its President General, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe (JP AP) said, “The attention of the Orashi National Congress has been drawn to the sad incident, which took place in Aminigboko community. We gathered that the well, where the three men died, had been emitting an offensive odour prior to the incident”.
“Suspicions have therefore, grown that toxic or naturally occurring gases may have accumulated inside the well, leading to the instant fatalities. The Orashi National Congress, ONC, is hereby calling for urgent investigation by relevant authorities and experts in the oil and environmental sector to determine the exact causes causes of the deaths and assess potential environmental hazards.
“We are also calling on the Local Council authorities and the Rivers State Government for immediate attention because undiscovered or leaking natural gases may pose a wider threat to lives and property if not swiftly addressed.”
“The leadership of the Orashi National Congress joins the people of Aminigboko community to mourn the loss of the three men and pray for the peaceful repose of their souls.”