Nigeria – Benue Govt. Suspends Buruku Boat Union, Arrests Operator Over Mishap

By Lubem Gena, Makurdi

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 Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, ordered the immediate suspension of the union after paying an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the accident.

Our correspondent further gathered that as part of measures to prevent a recurrence, the Commissioner also ordered the suspension of the line operator and the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident.

The Ministry has since activated its search and rescue processes and is working with local divers to intensify the search and rescue.

He further informed of the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to investigate and establish the immediate, remote and underlying causes of the mishap.

Iyaghigba also ordered strict compliance with the mandatory use of life jackets at all river crossing points across the state.

In another major measure, the owner of the abandoned barge believed to have contributed to the accident was given a seven-day ultimatum to evacuate it from the crossing point or risk its confiscation by the government.

The Commissioner is also working closely in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during the week for further interrogation of the circumstances surrounding the incident and to strengthen safety measures at the state’s waterways.

The government said further details would be made available but at the moment, investigations and rescue efforts continues.