Aminigboko community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State was plunged into grief on Sunday, February 22, 2026, following the death of three men while attempting to desilt an abandoned well.
The victims, including two brothers, were reportedly hired to restore the long-unused water facility, but the operation turned fatal under tragic circumstances.
Residents of the oil and gas-producing community expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.
Many noted that the abandoned well had been emitting an offensive odor believed to be toxic.
“We noticed a strange, pungent smell coming from the well for days before this happened. We feared it might be dangerous,” a local resident explained.
It is suspected that harmful gases trapped inside the well contributed to the deaths.
According to Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the victims were contracted by the son of the well’s owner, who had planned to bring the facility back into use.
“Minutes after one of the men entered the well, he began screaming,” CSP Iringe-Koko said.
“His brother and a third individual rushed in to assist, but tragically, all three lost their lives.”
She confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the fatalities.
The three men reportedly had experience with similar maintenance work but were unprepared for the hazardous conditions within the abandoned well.
Community members noted that wells in the area are often neglected, posing risks due to accumulated gases and lack of proper safety measures.
“Abandoned wells can be deadly. People often forget that even a simple cleanup can expose them to toxic fumes,” a local elder warned.
Aminigboko, the location of the tragedy, is home to multinational oil and gas companies, including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), now operating as Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
Despite the presence of these corporations, abandoned wells remain common in the area, and safety protocols for privately owned wells are often unclear or unenforced.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for community education on the dangers of abandoned wells.
Experts in occupational safety emphasize that even wells that appear harmless can contain dangerous gases like methane or hydrogen sulfide, which can accumulate over time.
Exposure to these gases can lead to unconsciousness and death within minutes, making rescue efforts extremely dangerous.
Authorities are appealing to residents to exercise caution around abandoned wells.
CSP Iringe-Koko urged that “people should avoid entering old wells without proper safety equipment and supervision.
“Our investigation will determine whether negligence contributed to this tragedy, but public awareness is crucial.”
The son of the well’s owner, who contracted the three men, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and is cooperating with police investigations.
Community leaders are also calling for stricter regulations regarding the maintenance and sealing of abandoned wells to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This unfortunate incident marks another reminder of the hidden dangers associated with abandoned wells in oil-producing regions.
It is the responsibility of both private owners and authorities to ensure these structures are properly maintained or sealed to avoid further loss of life.
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