The Benue State Government has pledged to enforce rigorous safety measures to address frequent boat mishaps across the state’s waterways.
River transport is a primary means of travel in the Buruku, Guma, and Agatu Local Government Areas.
On Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, launched a comprehensive enforcement initiative.
The crackdown follows a recent tragedy on River Buruku, where six students returning to school drowned after their boat capsized.
The new protocols, developed in collaboration with the Buruku Local Government, security agencies, and the Traditional Council, 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.
In the statement, 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.”
Additionally, the state has adjusted travel times, requiring all water transport to cease by 8:00pm. daily, a two-hour extension of the federal government’s 6:00 p.m. curfew.
“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”, Har added.
Addressing stakeholders, marine workers, and security personnel at the riverbank, Har explained that these steps aim to restore public confidence in the ferry system until the ongoing bridge project is completed.
He noted that the resolutions were finalised during a high-level security meeting chaired by the Special Adviser on Security and External Liaison, Col. Alex Igbaya Anshingu (retd.).
Har ordered the immediate barricading of access roads on both banks after 8:00 p.m.
He said, “Full enforcement of the life jacket mandate will begin on February 1 to allow time for the procurement of sufficient equipment.”