The Benue State Government has suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers, NUMW, following a boat accident on the River Katsina-Ala that left several passengers missing. The incident occurred on a Saturday morning when the passenger boat capsized while crossing the river. While some of those on board were rescued, several others remained unaccounted for as rescue teams and local divers continued their search.
The government also suspended the operator of the affected river crossing and ordered the arrest and detention of the boat skipper pending the outcome of investigations into the incident. The directives were issued after the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, visited the scene of the accident to assess the situation and coordinate ongoing rescue efforts.
According to Iyaghigba, the Ministry has activated its search and rescue processes and is working with local divers to intensify the search and rescue operations. An inter-ministerial committee has been constituted to investigate the accident and establish its immediate, remote and underlying causes. The committee will also recommend measures aimed at preventing similar incidents on the state's waterways.
Iyaghigba directed operators at all river crossing points in Benue to ensure that passengers wear life jackets as required, stressing the need for strict compliance with safety regulations. He also raised concerns over an abandoned barge located at the crossing point, which might have played a role in the accident. The Commissioner gave the owner of the abandoned barge seven days to remove it from the area.
The government stated that search and rescue operations were still underway, with local divers working alongside relevant agencies to locate passengers who remained unaccounted for after the wooden boat capsized. A statement issued by Lubem Gena, Head of Media and Public Orientation in the Office of the Commissioner, said the government would collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the week to conduct further investigations and improve safety standards on Benue waterways.
The incident has raised concerns over safety standards on Benue waterways, with the government vowing to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The suspension of the Buruku branch of NUMW and the operator of the affected river crossing is seen as a move to ensure accountability and safety on the state's waterways.
The government said further details would be made available, but at the moment, investigations and rescue efforts continue. The incident has sparked a response from the government, with the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy leading the efforts to rescue those missing and investigate the cause of the accident.
Key points
- The Benue State Government has suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers following a boat accident on the River Katsina-Ala.
- The government has ordered the arrest and detention of the boat skipper pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
- The incident has raised concerns over safety standards on Benue waterways, with the government vowing to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
