Kogiflame
A team from the Force Marine Unit has arrived in Lokoja, the state capital, to begin their inquiry this
follow the directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for a comprehensive investigation into the boat mishap that claimed over 200 lives in Kogi State,
CSP Chima Eze Ogarachi, Force Marine Officer at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, who is leading the team, confirmed their arrival in Lokoja on Monday.
He conveyed the condolences of the police to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols, particularly in light of this tragedy.
Ogarachi noted that the investigation is in response to the IGP’s directive and stressed the need for strict enforcement of existing laws, including the ban on night journeys. He emphasized that the police will no longer tolerate negligence regarding the use of life jackets by both passengers and boat operators.
“The law against night traveling 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 traveling 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 mobilized to the area. A fisherman reported that the boat operator couldn’t see the log of wood because the boat was traveling 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.
