… Described reports as ‘fake’
LightHope Succour Worldwide Initiative has debunked reports that 37 persons died, allegedly from inhaling suspected toxic fumes at the Okrika jetty mainland
The oil and gas services firm, while describing the reports as ‘ fake’, challenged originators of the report to provide proofs
Debunking the widely circulated reports in Abuja, Evelyn Williams said the reports from security agencies operating within the jetty have confirmed that no such incident occurred in the area.
In a statement made available to BusinessDay in Abuja, the organisation urged members of the public to disregard the report, as it is without foundation
‘Following the circulation of the report, the organisation undertook preliminary enquiries and sought direct clarification from senior authorities of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army responsible for the area.
‘The three security authorities confirmed that no such incident occurred at Okari Jetty on the date in question’
The organisation said preliminary investigation has been unable to establish the veracity of the reported 37 fatalities.
‘The information obtained from the relevant security authorities instead indicates that the report is fake news and without credible factual basis’
The organisation also challenged the originators of the report to provide verifiable evidence supporting the claim, even as it also urged ‘media organisations to apply appropriate editorial checks before reproducing the allegation.’
It stressed that this position should not be misconstrued as a denial of the serious environmental and security challenges associated with oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related activities in the Niger Delta.
According to them, ‘ Rather, it is a call for accuracy, responsible advocacy and evidence-based reporting, especially when claims involve the alleged loss of dozens of human lives’
LightHope Succour Worldwide Initiative assured of its commitments ‘to the promotion of community welfare, environmental responsibility, public safety and credible advocacy in the Niger Delta’