The Benue State Government has announced stringent implementation of safety measures at the Buruku shoreline in response to frequent boat accidents that have claimed lives and wrecked property along the major river corridor.
The action comes amid growing public concern about risky boat operations employed as a temporary alternative while the Buruku bridge is being built.
The cargo-capable ferries were originally designed to improve travel time, lower transportation costs, and enhance trade by safely transporting people and products across the river.
However, authorities claim that the endeavor has gradually devolved into a risky operation characterized by frequent mistakes and preventable fatalities.
The state administration blamed the incidents on a combination of human error and mechanical faults, such as poor maintenance of aging boats, deliberate overloading, failure to wear life jackets, and some operators’ disregard for weather and safety warnings.
In response, the government, through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, has implemented a comprehensive enforcement of internationally recognized water transport safety regulations along the Buruku River.
Addressing marine workers, traditional rulers, security agencies, and other stakeholders, Chief Har stated that the steps were the result of a high-level security meeting headed by the Special Adviser on Security and External Liaison, Col. Alex Anshingu (retd).
“What we are doing here is to protect lives and property. No economic activity is worth the life of any Benue citizen,” he said.
According to him, the resolutions require all passengers and operators to wear life jackets, prohibit overloading, and mandate that no boat carry more than one vehicle at a time. He also announced a daily restriction on river operations commencing at 8:00 p.m.
“To ensure compliance, access roads on both banks of the river will be barricaded after 8:00pm. Boat operators must understand that this order is not negotiable,” Chief Har warned, stating that the two-hour extension from the federal government’s 6:00pm guideline was granted in the interest of commuters.
He did, however, reveal that full implementation of the life jacket regulation would begin on February 1 due to a present shortage of safety equipment.
Chief Har also revealed that former union executives vandalized certain life jackets supplied by himself, the Buruku Local Government, and other donors.
“I appeal to the local government chairman and well-meaning individuals to support us with the donation of life jackets so that commuters can travel safely,” he said, while recommending the creation of a joint enforcement task force comprising the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, NIWA, and the Civilian Protection Guard.
Responding on behalf of river users, the Chairman of the Marine Union and the Tyoor Mbaapen recognized the importance of tough enforcement, conceding that community-led safety efforts had failed due to poor compliance.
They appreciated the cooperation of security services and expressed hope that the steps will result in long-term development.
Stakeholders also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for putting citizens’ safety first as the government attempts to rebuild confidence in Buruku’s water transportation.
