The Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Aboiya-a Bob-Fubara, has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in a boat mishap involving a company operating in the Robert-Kiri axis of Kula community.
Bob-Fubara also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to establish its immediate and remote causes and prevent a recurrence.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Soibi Oruwari, the council chairman expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and pledged to engage relevant government agencies to investigate the incident.
He also urged security agencies to act swiftly to establish the circumstances surrounding the presence of gunboats in the area.
The chairman appealed to all parties involved to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions, stressing that his administration would not fold its arms and allow avoidable incidents to endanger the lives of residents.
He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, including the facilities of companies operating within the area.
Bob-Fubara further called on oil companies operating in Akuku-Toru to promptly report community-related disputes and other concerns to his office to enable the council to intervene and facilitate peaceful resolutions.
He assured the affected families and other critical stakeholders in Kula that the local government would work with relevant authorities to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The council chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means, urging residents of Kula to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could worsen the situation.
He added that his office remained open to receiving complaints and would forward them to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
