By Ephraim Emmanuel
The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the recovery of four corpses following a fatal incident at Jetty Creeks in Okrika Local Government Area, where individuals were reportedly attempting to scoop petroleum products.
The update was contained in an official statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent Olufemi Ayodele.
Ayodele disclosed that an undercover surveillance team deployed to assess the creek confirmed seeing four bodies linked to the disaster.
Among the victims identified is Taribo Levia, whose remains have already been interred according to local traditional rites. The three other deceased individuals were identified as Ogoloma Tamunoene Fred, Amiso, and Belema Siyerminma, all from the Ngabiri community.
Addressing earlier speculation surrounding the tragedy, the Command clarified that initial casualty figures circulated on social media were overstated and unverified, maintaining that ongoing field assessments will determine the precise scope of the casualty list.
The NSCDC also clarified that while the Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Joint Task Force maintains active security around the broader facility, the exact site of the incident fell outside the task force’s primary Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Speaking through the statement, Rivers State Commandant, Dr. Dennis Reuben, revealed that a joint investigation with community stakeholders is underway to ascertain the remote causes of the incident and account for any missing persons.
Dr. Reuben issued a stern warning against pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and the hazardous practice of scooping spilled fuel, describing such illegal activities as dangerous threats to life and critical national infrastructure.
The Command urged riverine and oil-bearing communities in Rivers State to report suspicious movements around petroleum installations to law enforcement agencies rather than risking their lives in illegal operations.
