Benue Status Government has suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers, NUMW, following the boat accident on the River Katsina-Ala that left numerous passengers missing.
The government said investigate and rescue operations were still underway, including area divers operating alongside appropriate agencies to locate passengers who remained unaccounted for once the wooden boat capsized.
Iyaghigba disclosed that an inter-ministerial committee had been constituted to analysis the accident and establish its quick, remote and underlying causes.
Iyaghigba consequently gave the owner of the abandoned barge seven days to eliminate it from the area, warning that failure to comply would finding in its confiscation by the condition government.
“The government said further details would be made introduce, but at the moment, investigations and rescue efforts shift forward,” the comment added.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the passenger boat capsized whilst crossing the River Katsina-Ala.
The Commissioner directed operators at all river crossing points in Benue to secure that passengers wear life jackets as required, stressing the summon for for strict compliance together with safety regulations.
The directives were issued once the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, visited the scene of the accident to evaluate the condition and coordinate engaged rescue efforts.
He too raised concerns over an abandoned barge located at the crossing matter, which he said might have played a role in the accident.
A state issued by Lubem Gena, Leader of Media and Society Orientation in the Office of the Commissioner, said the government would collaborate together with pertinent Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the week to conduct continued investigations and upgrade safety standards on Benue waterways.
“The Ministry has because activated its explore and rescue processes and is current using community divers to intensify the investigate and rescue,” the Commissioner said.
Although some of those on board were rescued, a lot of others were still unaccounted for as rescue teams and regional divers continued their look for.
The government additionally suspended the personnel associate of the affected river crossing and organized the arrest and detention of the boat skipper pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
According to him, the committee would additionally suggest measures aimed at preventing linked incidents on the situation’s waterways.
Benue govt suspends maritime workers’ union over boat mishap, orders skipper’s arrest
Source: Benue govt suspends maritime workers’ union over boat mishap, orders skipper’s arrest
