3 Die While Desilting Abandoned Well In Rivers

Two brothers and another man have died while attempting to desilt an abandoned water well in the Aminigboko community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The victims were reportedly hired by the son of the well’s owner, who intended to put the facility back into use.

They, however, died in the process of carrying out the work.

Residents of the area said the abandoned well was suspected to have been contaminated with toxic gases.

Some said an offensive odour believed to be from harmful fumes had been emanating from the well before the incident.

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.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident.

The police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the deaths.

According to her, the son of the well’s owner had contracted three men, including two brothers, for the job.

Minutes after one of the people entered the well, he started screaming, prompting his brother and the third person to enter to find out what was wrong. Unfortunately, the three of them died. “Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the death,” she added.