Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the deaths of three men who were found lifeless inside a well in Aminigboko community of Rivers State, in what authorities and residents suspect may have been linked to toxic gas exposure. The tragedy occurred in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area and has sparked concern among locals about the safety of old and abandoned water sources.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the three men — including two brothers — had entered an abandoned water well to desilt it so it could be put back into use when the incident unfolded. One of the workers was lowered into the confined space and reportedly began screaming shortly after entering. In an attempt to assist, his brother and a third person followed him inside, but all three were later found dead at the bottom of the well. Authorities confirmed that the fatal incident took place on Sunday, and responding officers began an inquiry on Monday.
Police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, said that the well’s owner had contracted the men to restore the dried-up water source, a critical communal resource in the area. Investigators are yet to determine the exact cause of death, but preliminary observations suggest that dangerous fumes may have accumulated inside the poorly ventilated well, overwhelming the workers. The enclosed nature of such spaces can allow toxic gases — which may include methane or other hydrocarbons — to build up, particularly in regions with organic material or contamination, posing a lethal risk to anyone entering without gas detection or protective equipment.
Residents of the community noted that the well had emitted an unpleasant odor in the days leading up to the accident, and some believe that harmful gases might have been trapped beneath the surface. Aminigboko is an area where oil and gas activities are present, and while there is no official link yet between industrial gases and the incident, local groups have called for thorough environmental and forensic testing to establish whether underground pollutants played a role.
The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities collecting testimonies from eyewitnesses and examining environmental conditions around the well. Officials have urged community members to observe caution around abandoned wells and other confined spaces, especially where there is a risk of gas accumulation. Standard safety protocols, such as ventilation checks and gas monitoring before entry, were reportedly not in place at the time of the incident.
As the inquiry continues, Rivers State residents and civic groups have expressed grief and concern over the loss of life and called on state and environmental authorities to conduct a full assessment of the site. Community leaders also stress the need for public awareness campaigns about the dangers of confined spaces and the importance of professional supervision when dealing with water infrastructure repairs.
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