Benue Boat Mishap: Govt suspends maritime workers’ union, orders skipper’s arrest

The Benue State Government has ordered a crackdown on activities at the Buruku river crossing following Saturday’s boat accident that left several passengers unaccounted for.

The government suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) and the operator of the affected route after the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, inspected the scene.

Iyaghigba also ordered the arrest and detention of the boat skipper as investigations begin into the circumstances surrounding the mishap.

The state government said its search and rescue operation was ongoing, with local divers joining efforts to locate passengers still missing after the wooden boat capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala.

“The Ministry has since activated its search and rescue processes and is working with local divers to intensify the search and rescue,” the Commissioner said.

Iyaghigba said an inter-ministerial committee had been set up to determine the immediate, remote and underlying causes of the accident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

He directed all operators at river crossing points across the state to strictly enforce the mandatory use of life jackets by passengers.

The Commissioner also drew attention to an abandoned barge at the crossing point which was suspected to have contributed to the accident. He gave its owner seven days to remove it or face confiscation by the state government.

According to a statement by Lubem Gena, Head of Media and Public Orientation in the Office of the Commissioner, the government would work with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the week to further investigate the accident and strengthen safety measures on Benue’s waterways.

“The government said further details would be made available, but at the moment, investigations and rescue efforts continue,” the statement added.

The accident occurred on Saturday morning when the passenger boat capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala. Some passengers were rescued, while others remained unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued.10 catchy headline options