The Benue State Government has suspended the Buruku crossing point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) following a deadly boat accident that left several passengers missing on the River Katsina-Ala.
The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, after he visited the scene of the incident to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.
The government also ordered the suspension of the river crossing operator and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper pending the outcome of investigations.
The accident occurred on Saturday, October 3, when a wooden boat conveying more than 70 passengers and over 30 motorcycles capsized while crossing the river in Buruku Local Government Area.
The passengers, reportedly mourners returning from a burial ceremony in a neighbouring community, were said to have encountered difficulties after the boat’s engine developed a fault. Strong water currents and the vessel’s heavy load were also reported to have contributed to the tragedy.
While more than 60 passengers were reportedly rescued, several others remained unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued. Subsequent reports also confirmed fatalities, although authorities were yet to establish a final casualty figure.
In response to the incident, the state government activated an intensified search operation involving local divers and other relevant agencies to locate missing passengers.
Iyaghigba also announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents across the state’s waterways.
As part of efforts to strengthen water transport safety, the commissioner ordered strict enforcement of compulsory life jacket use at all river crossing points in Benue State.
He further raised concerns over an abandoned barge near the accident scene, which was suspected to have contributed to the mishap, giving its owner a seven-day ultimatum to remove it or risk confiscation by the state government.
The government assured residents that investigations and rescue operations would continue, promising to take necessary steps to improve safety standards and prevent further loss of lives on the state’s waterways.
The incident has renewed concerns over passenger safety, overloading and the enforcement of maritime regulations on river routes across the country.
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