Oyetola condemns boat mishap on Benue River

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed grief over the tragic boat accident that occurred on Sunday.

A wooden boat with about 70-80 passengers capsized while crossing on River Benue in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue to Nasarawa State at the weekend.

The commercial wooden boat powered by an outboard engine had on board traders returning to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, after attending the Ocholonya Market in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that excessive speed and overloading were the primary factors contributing to the accident.

The Minister in a statement decried the spate of boat accidents on the waterways, stating that the incident has once again highlighted the need for caution by boat operators and users and the urgent need for stricter safety measures on Nigerian waterways.

He sued for the cooperation of states, local governments, community leaders and all and sundry to join efforts with the Ministry and the National Inland Waterways Authority to stem the spate of boat accidents by paying more attention to safety.

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Oyetola stated that the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) operational code outlines adherence to safety regulations, such as wearing of life jackets and avoiding overloading of boats, stressing that any neglectful party risking lives and property of anyone should be fined or tried according to the laid down rules.’’

He disclosed that from their findings, the boat owned and operated by one Mr. Abubakar Muhammed was enroute from the Ocholonya community market to Odenyi when it met with a tragic fate.