Makurdi Boat Mishap: Commissioner Warns Against Unsafe Waterway Operations

The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has called on residents of the Daudu community in Mbalagh Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area, and others, to strictly comply with the approved guidelines regulating activities on the waterways to prevent avoidable tragedies.

The Commissioner made the call during a Commissioner and on-the-spot assessment visit to the Daudu community following a tragic boat mishap that claimed the lives of 11 persons.

Representing the Commissioner during the visit, the Commissioner, seeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, 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 Governor 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.

In a statement issued by the Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation, office of the commissioner, Lubem Gena, on Monday, the commissioner 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 night travel or any waterway activities beyond the officially approved operating period, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of accidents.

The statement 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 from boat accidents and capsizing incidents across the state’s waterways.

According to the statement, 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.