A team from the Force Marine Unit has arrived in Lokoja, Kogi State, to commence a comprehensive investigation into the recent boat mishap that claimed over 200 lives.
The inquiry follows the directive from Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
Leading the team, CSP Chima Eze Ogarachi, Force Marine Officer from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, confirmed their arrival on Monday.
He conveyed the police’s condolences to the families of the victims and stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
Ogarachi highlighted that the investigation is in line with the IGP’s directive and emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws, particularly the ban on night journeys.
He warned that the police would no longer tolerate negligence regarding the use of life jackets by passengers and boat operators.
“The law against night travelling has been in place for a long time, but operators often ignore it. Only vessel boats are allowed to sail at night.
“We urge operators to observe the rules and ensure safety by using life jackets, whether travelling during the day or night,” Ogarachi stated.
Engineer Yakubu Zurkarnani, the Unit Head of Engineering at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office in Lokoja, explained that a log of wood that fell into the water caused an obstruction, leading to the mishap.
“Upon receiving the news, we immediately mobilised to the area. A fisherman reported that the boat operator couldn’t see the log of wood because the boat was travelling at night.
“The incident occurred around 4 a.m., which made it difficult for immediate rescue. It was the fishermen who discovered the victims later in the morning,” Zurkarnani explained.
Zurkarnani urged boat operators to strictly follow the ban on night journeys, stressing that the waterways are open for travel only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, Comrade Abdullahi Bala Yusuf, Chairman of the Marine Workers Union of Nigeria in Kogi State, called on the state government to address the issue of inadequate life jackets for boat operators.
Yusuf stated that despite multiple attempts to meet with the state commissioner for transportation regarding the life jacket shortage, no positive response has been received.
He urged the state government to support the union and ensure boat operators have access to adequate safety equipment.
“Life jackets are not easily available in the open market, and we have been cooperating with NIWA and the Marine Police to promote safety on the waterways.
“The state government must step in to help us secure the necessary life jackets,” Yusuf added.
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