A tragic boat mishap occurred on Saturday at the Buruku crossing point on River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The incident involved a wooden boat carrying about 70 mourners from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area, who were returning from a burial ceremony. The boat capsized, leaving several passengers unaccounted for. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of two mourners, while 64 passengers were rescued from the mishap.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, search and rescue operations are ongoing in the river for possible survivors. He stated that the exact number of people aboard the boat could not be immediately established due to a lack of proper records of the passengers. The police are working to determine the cause of the incident and rescue any remaining survivors. The community is in shock, and the incident has raised concerns about safety measures on the state’s waterways.
The Benue State Government has taken swift action in response to the incident, suspending the activities of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW), River Buruku branch, with immediate effect. The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, ordered the suspension after paying an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the accident on Saturday. The government also ordered the suspension of the line operator and the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident.
The government has activated its search and rescue processes and is working with local divers to intensify the operation. An inter-ministerial committee will be constituted to investigate and establish the immediate, remote, and underlying causes of the mishap. The committee will also work to strengthen safety measures on the state’s waterways. The government has ordered strict compliance with the mandatory use of life jackets at all river crossing points across the state.
The owner of an abandoned barge believed to have contributed to the accident has been given a seven-day ultimatum to evacuate it from the crossing point or risk confiscation by the state government. The commissioner is working closely with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The government has promised to make further details available as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of river travel in Benue State, and the government’s response has been welcomed by the community. The state government’s efforts to strengthen safety measures and investigate the cause of the incident are ongoing. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims and those affected by the incident.
The Benue State Government’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens on the state’s waterways. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and regulations in preventing such tragedies. The government’s investigation and rescue efforts will continue, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Key points
- Two people were confirmed dead, and 64 passengers were rescued from the boat mishap.
- The Benue State Government has suspended the activities of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW), River Buruku branch, and ordered the arrest of the boat skipper involved in the incident.
- An inter-ministerial committee will be constituted to investigate the cause of the mishap and strengthen safety measures on the state’s waterways.
