By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Benue State, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has announced the tragic incidence of a boat mishap that occurred at the Buruku River Benue crossing point.
The incident, he said, is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe and unregulated activities on the state’s inland waterways.
According to a statement issued by Lubem Gena,
Head, Media, Publicity & Orientation
Office of the Commissioner
Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Benue State, said the Commissioner extends his heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the victims, their families, and the entire Buruku community during this moment of sorrow.
The peliminary reports according to the statement indicates that the mishap occurred in the course of routine river transportation.
“A full-scale investigation has already been activated to determine the immediate and remote causes of the accident, including possible violations of safety regulations, operational negligence, or environmental factors” Gena stated.
Gena also revealed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has immediately mobilized relevant stakeholders for search and rescue operations.
He said the ministry has also ordered a thorough, transparent, and uncompromising investigation, with appropriate sanctions for any individual or operator found culpable.
The commissioner he said had previously warned that recklessness, non-compliance with safety standards, and disregard for human life on Benue waterways will no longer be tolerated.
“The Ministry will strengthen enforcement measures, including vessel inspections, operator licensing, passenger safety education, and monitoring of river transport activities across the state” he assured..
“The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the relentless commitment of the Benue State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to the protection of lives and property as the state advances its marine and blue economy agenda.
He stressed that economic development must never come at the expense of human safety, assuring citizens that decisive actions will follow the outcome of investigations to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
