NIGERIA – BENUE COMMISSIONER WARNS AGAINST UNSAFE WATERWAY OPERATIONS AFTER FATAL BOAT MISHAP IN MAKURDI
The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has called on residents of Daudu community in Mbalagh Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area, as well as the general public, to strictly comply with approved guidelines regulating activities on the waterways in order to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The Commissioner made the call during a condolence and on-the-spot assessment visit to Daudu community following a tragic boat mishap that claimed the lives of 11 persons.
Representing the Commissioner during the visit, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Charles Terfa Ikyaave, said the ministry was deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident and shared in the grief of the affected families and the entire community.
According to him, the administration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia remains committed to strengthening safety standards in the marine and blue economy sector while ensuring that communities dependent on water transportation are adequately protected.
He also stressed that the approved operating hours for water transportation remain strictly between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., emphasising that under no circumstances should operators or passengers violate the directive.
He urged residents and water transport operators to desist from engaging in night travel or any form of waterway activities beyond the officially approved operating period, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Mr. Ikyaave further disclosed that the Daudu community would soon benefit from the distribution of life jackets as part of the state government’s proactive efforts to enhance safety measures and reduce fatalities arising from boat accidents and capsizing incidents across waterways in the state.
The ministry’s delegation was received by the Deputy Head of Daudu community, Dahiru Bala Mudi, alongside Aliyu Mohammed, a resident who suffered a devastating personal loss after seven members of his family died in the tragic incident.
The visit formed part of the government’s immediate response to sympathise with the bereaved families and reinforce the urgent need for adherence to water transport safety regulations aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Hon. Richard Imoter Nomkpo, Chief of Staff to the Commissioner; Dr. Harris Dera, Technical Adviser to the Commissioner; Mr. Lubem Gena, Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation and Administrative Officer of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Igbebe were on the Ministry’s entourage.
Signed:
Lubem Gena, FIIM
Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation,
Office of the Honourable Commissioner
