Benue State Suspends Maritime Union After Boat Accident

The Benue State Government suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) due to a boat accident on the River Katsina-Ala that resulted in several passengers being reported missing. Following the incident, the government also suspended the operator of the river crossing and ordered the arrest and detention of the boat skipper while investigations are conducted.

The directives were issued by Denis Iyaghigba, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, who visited the accident scene to oversee rescue efforts. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with local divers collaborating with relevant agencies to locate the missing passengers.

An inter-ministerial committee has been formed to investigate the accident and recommend measures to prevent future incidents. Iyaghigba emphasized the importance of safety regulations, mandating that all river crossing operators ensure passengers wear life jackets.

He also addressed concerns regarding an abandoned barge at the crossing point, giving its owner seven days to remove it or face confiscation by the state government.