At least 10 persons are feared dead after a community boat reportedly capsized during a confrontation between residents and security operatives over an oil spill at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 55 in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday as community members sought to stop further operations at the site pending environmental remediation and payment of compensation to affected victims.

Reports indicated that the crisis escalated when military personnel arrived at the scene, leading to a confrontation with youths from the affected community.

Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a chieftain of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), confirmed the incident. He said the deployment of military personnel worsened tensions and undermined efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully.

According to him, the community had been making efforts to prevent a breakdown of law and order before the military confrontation.

“The confrontation occurred amid attempts by residents to resist the alleged forceful re-entry to the site, during which a community boat capsized while trying to resist them,” Sara-Igbe said.

He disclosed that all the persons feared dead were males, while other details surrounding the incident remained unclear.

Sara-Igbe called on the police and other relevant security authorities to investigate the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged military operation.

Sources said rescue operations were already underway to douse tension in the area and evacuate the casualties to Port Harcourt.