Tragic Incident Claims Three Lives During Well Desilting in Rivers Community
A devastating incident has occurred in the Aminigboko community, located within the Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Two brothers and another man lost their lives while attempting to desilt an abandoned water well on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The victims were reportedly hired by the son of the well's owner, who aimed to restore the facility for use, but they tragically died during the work process.
Details of the Fatal Event
According to local residents, the abandoned well was suspected to be contaminated with toxic gases, which may have contributed to the fatalities. Some community members noted that an offensive odor, believed to be from harmful fumes, had been emanating from the well prior to the incident. This has raised concerns about safety and environmental hazards in the area.
The police spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the deaths. She explained that the son of the well's owner had contracted three men, including the two brothers, for the desilting job. "Minutes after one of the persons entered the well, he started screaming, which prompted his brother and the third person to enter the well to find out why he was screaming. Unfortunately, all three of them died," the PPRO said. She emphasized that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the precise circumstances leading to this tragedy.
Community Background and Implications
Aminigboko is an oil and gas-producing community in Abua/Odual that hosts multinational companies, including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), now known as Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited. This incident highlights potential safety issues in such industrial areas, where abandoned infrastructure might pose hidden dangers. The community's reliance on local wells for water, coupled with possible contamination from industrial activities, underscores the need for stricter safety protocols and environmental assessments.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with manual labor in confined spaces, especially when dealing with abandoned structures that may harbor toxic substances. Authorities are urged to enhance public awareness and implement preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
