By: Felix Ikpotor
The Police in Rivers State says it has commenced investigation into the death of three men who reportedly died inside a well in Aminigboko community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident on Monday in a telephone interview.
Iringe-Koko, a chief superintendent of of police, explained that the son of the well’s owner had hired three men including two brothers to desilt the old well in an effort to restore access to clean drinking water.
However, tragedy struck when the first man was overcome shortly after being lowered into the well, in a desperate attempt to rescue him, the other two men entered the well one after the other, but they too were overwhelmed and died.
She said, “Minutes after one of the persons entered the well, he started screaming. This prompted his brother and the third person to enter the well to find out why he was screaming.
“Unfortunately, the three of them died. Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the death.”
A community source disclosed that the well had previously dried up, prompting the owner to initiate efforts to desilt it.
Neighbours who also relied on the water source were said to have complained of a foul odour emanating from the well in the days leading up to the incident.
According to the source, the unpleasant smell was attributed to the well’s shallow depth and prolonged stagnation, although some residents believe toxic fumes may have accumulated inside.
The source said, “Here we usually re-dig well that is drying up so that we can get clean drinking water and that is what the owner was doing.
“The people too have been complaining that the smell is bad, that is why they tried to dig it again.”
Meanwhile, the Orashi National Congress (ONC), has expressed concern over the tragic deaths of three men in Aminigboko community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
ONC President General, Comrade Emeni Ibe stated that the well where the three men lost their lives had been emitting an offensive odour prior to the tragedy.
The group called for an urgent investigation by relevant authorities and experts in the oil and environmental sectors to determine the exact cause of the deaths and assess any 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,” he said.
