Benue Govt Suspends Maritime Workers’ Union Over Boat Mishap

The Benue State Government has suspended the Buruku crossing point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) following a boat accident that left several passengers missing.

The government also ordered the suspension of the operator of the affected boat line and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding the mishap.

The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, announced the measures after visiting the scene of the accident and conducting an on-the-spot assessment.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning at the Buruku crossing point, where a wooden boat carrying passengers capsized while navigating the River Katsina-Ala.

While several passengers were rescued, others remained unaccounted for, prompting the state government to immediately activate search and rescue operations.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Orientation in the Office of the Commissioner, Lubem Gena, the Ministry is working with local divers to intensify efforts to locate the missing passengers.

Iyaghigba said the government was determined to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the accident and introduce measures to prevent a recurrence.

To this end, the commissioner disclosed that an inter-ministerial committee had been constituted to investigate the incident and make recommendations for improving safety standards at river crossing points across the state.

He also directed all operators at the state’s waterways to ensure strict compliance with the mandatory use of life jackets by passengers and boat operators.

The commissioner further raised concerns over an abandoned barge at the crossing point, which he said may have contributed to the accident.

He consequently gave the owner of the abandoned barge a seven-day ultimatum to remove it from the crossing point, warning that failure to comply could lead to its confiscation by the state government.

The government said it would continue to work with relevant ministries, departments and agencies as investigations and rescue efforts continue.

It added that further details on the outcome of the search and investigation would be made public as they become available.