Military issues fresh River Benue safety alert after nine die in boat mishap

 The Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has issued safety advice to mariners, boat operators and riverine communities along the River Benue following rising water levels and a boat tragedy that killed nine persons.

The OPWS Maritime Component Commander, Lt Cmdr Christopher Zakari, gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen through Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, acting Media Information Officer, in Makurdi.

Zakari said the increase in water volume, accompanied by strong currents and turbulence, had heightened the risk of boat accidents and other maritime mishaps on the river.

He attributed the increased water level to heavy rainfalls, adding that the warning became necessary following a recent boat accident that claimed nine lives.

He recalled that on June 13, a boat carrying 43 passengers from Kwanta Wadata to Daudu capsised between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., resulting in the death of nine persons.

The commander said that strict adherence to established safety measures could have prevented or significantly reduced the casualties recorded during the incident.

He directed all passengers and mariners to always wear life jackets while on board boats and urged operators to ensure that at least one life buoy was available on every vessel.

Zakari also cautioned operators against overloading their boats beyond approved carrying capacities and advised them to carry essential emergency equipment such as functional torch lights, spare spark plugs and tarpaulins.

He further urged mariners to refrain from polluting waterways with non-biodegradable materials and other waste products.

The commander reiterated the ban on night sailing, stressing that marine operations remained restricted to between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily for security reasons.

He also directed all boat operators to register with their respective unions and carry valid means of identification while conducting their operations.

Zakari encouraged residents of riverine communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious or criminal activities to relevant security agencies.

He warned that defaulters who failed to comply with the safety directives would be sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.

The commander also charged maritime unions to ensure strict enforcement of the safety measures among their members.

“The maritime component of Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to safeguarding lives, protecting property and ensuring the security of waterways within its area of responsibility,” he said.

Zakari appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by adhering to the safety guidelines and remaining vigilant at all times. (NAN)