Benue State Government Takes Action Following Fatal Boat Mishap

The Benue State government has implemented immediate measures following a tragic boat accident that occurred over the weekend at the Buruku crossing point. The incident has left several passengers unaccounted for, prompting the state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, to take decisive action by suspending the local branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) and ordering the arrest of the boat's skipper.

Commissioner Iyaghigba conducted an on-site assessment of the accident area and announced the suspension of the line operator responsible for the boat service. In a statement released by Lubem Gena, the Head of Media and Public Orientation in the Commissioner’s office, the government emphasized that these steps were crucial to preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring that safety regulations are strictly adhered to on the waterways.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Benue State government has activated search and rescue operations, which are being carried out in collaboration with local divers. These efforts are focused on locating the passengers who are still missing, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. The authorities have urged the public to remain patient as search operations continue to ensure that all individuals are accounted for.

“The Benue state government has suspended the Buruku crossing point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers, NUMW, following Saturday’s boat mishap in which several passengers remain unaccounted for despite the rescue of others,” the statement read.

This incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region, highlighting the need for stringent enforcement of safety protocols to protect passengers utilizing the state's waterways. The government’s prompt response reflects a commitment to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such accidents, thereby safeguarding the lives of its citizens.