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• Urges originators of report to provide verifiable evidence
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
LightHope Succor Worldwide Initiative said on Friday that the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army had denied reports that 37 people died after inhaling suspected toxic fumes at Okari Jetty in Okrika Mainland, Rivers State.
The organisation in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Evelyn Williams said the report, which circulated widely on Thursday, alleged that 37 persons died in the incident on September 3, 2026.
LightHope said it contacted senior authorities of the three security agencies responsible for the area following the circulation of the report.
According to the organisation, the security authorities confirmed that no such incident occurred at the jetty on the date in question.
“Consequently, our preliminary investigation has been unable to establish the veracity of the reported 37 fatalities,” the organisation said.
“The information obtained from the relevant security authorities instead indicates that the report is fake news and without credible factual basis.”
LightHope urged the originators of the report to provide verifiable evidence to support the allegation and called on media organisations to carry out appropriate editorial checks before reproducing reports involving claims of mass casualties.
The organisation, however, said its findings should not be interpreted as a dismissal of the environmental and security challenges associated with oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related activities in the Niger Delta.
It said the call was for accuracy and evidence-based reporting, particularly on reports involving alleged loss of lives.
LightHope Succor Worldwide Initiative said it would continue to promote community welfare, environmental responsibility and public safety in the Niger Delta.
