The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has ordered immediate probe of the incident on Amadi – Ama Creek which resulted in the death of one fisherman.
A statement tagged “Incident at Amadi – Ama and Koko – Ama communities’ water channel,” and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Sunday night by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, disclosed that the organisation was aware of the incident and would do something to nip its recurrence.
In his words: “Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) is aware of protests stemming from a grievance concerning a capsized canoe in the Amadi – Ama and Koko Ama communities’ water channel.
“The incident is linked to an alleged strong wave generated by a transiting passenger boat channel by NLNG,”
The statement affirmed that the incident resulted in one fatality and the subsequent blockade of the Amadi – Ama and Koko Ama channel used by the passenger boat.
He informed that urgent steps were already being taken to douse the tension, already generated by the incident, while disclosing that the company was engaging with the operator of the troubled boat, as well as Amadi – Ama and Koko Ama communities.
It said the company is committed to addressing the concerns raised and move towards a peaceful outcome for all parties involved.
Blueprint learnt that one Precious lmabibo, a native of Koko -Ama community in Port Harcourt local government area of Rivers state was said to have drowned when one of the NLNG chartered boat allegedly sailed through his fishing canoe on Saturday, along the Amadi- Ama Creek, adjacent the community, tipping it with its strong waves.
His fishing colleague identified simply as Faith, survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
