1 hour ago
1
The Benue State Government has announced a sweeping clampdown on unsafe practices on its waterways as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of boat accidents across the state.
Water transport remains a critical mode of movement for residents of Buruku, Guma and Agatu Local Government Areas, where rivers serve as major transit routes for both people and goods.
On Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, formally flagged off a strict enforcement drive aimed at improving safety standards on inland waterways.
The decision followed a heartbreaking incident on River Buruku, where a boat conveying students back to school capsized, leading to the death of six learners.
According to the state government, the new safety framework was jointly developed with the Buruku Local Government Council, relevant security agencies and the Traditional Council, with a view to standardising river transportation and protecting commuters.
Under the revised rules, wearing of life jackets has been made compulsory for every passenger, while operators have been warned against transporting more than one vehicle at a time, a practice blamed for frequent overloading and instability.
Explaining the policy, Har said, “The new protocols establish a rigorous safety standard for all river commuters and operators.
Under the revised guidelines, the use of life jackets is now strictly mandatory for all passengers, while boat operators are prohibited from carrying more than one vehicle at a time to prevent overloading.”
The state government has also reviewed operating hours on the waterways, directing that all river movements must end by 8:00 p.m. daily. This represents a two-hour extension beyond the 6:00 p.m. limit earlier prescribed by the federal authorities.
Har further stressed the importance of safety consciousness, adding, “These measures also demand strict adherence to weather safety protocols and the adoption of internationally recognised standard practices for water transport to mitigate the risks of further tragedies”.
Speaking to community leaders, marine workers and security operatives at the riverbank, the security adviser said the enforcement measures were designed to rebuild public trust in ferry services pending the completion of an ongoing bridge project in the area.
He disclosed that the decisions were reached during a high-powered security meeting presided over by the Special Adviser on Security and External Liaison, retired Col. Alex Igbaya Anshingu.
As part of immediate actions, Har directed that all access roads to the riverbanks on both sides should be blocked after 8:00 p.m. to enforce the new travel restrictions.
He also announced a grace period before full implementation, stating, “Full enforcement of the life jacket mandate will begin on February 1 to allow time for the procurement of sufficient equipment.”
The adviser lamented that life jackets previously provided through personal efforts, local government contributions and donations from private individuals had been destroyed by former union leaders, leaving commuters exposed to danger.
He therefore called on the council chairman and public-spirited individuals to support the initiative by donating new life jackets to safeguard lives.
To guarantee strict compliance, Har proposed the formation of a joint task force involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the state-owned Civil Protection Guards (CPG).
Reacting, the Chairman of the Marine Union and the Tyoor Mbaapen both welcomed the government’s intervention, admitting that earlier community-driven safety measures failed due to weak enforcement.
They thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia and the security agencies for the decisive action, expressing optimism that the involvement of law enforcement bodies would significantly improve safety on the waterways.
Benue Govt enforces strict safety rules on waterways after boat mishap
