Five Die In Delta Boat Mishap – Police Confirm

At least five individuals reportedly died following the capsizing of a boat on the well-known Bennett Island River in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Naija News learnt that the tragic incident took place on Monday night.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital, noting that one person remains unaccounted for.

He said, “There was a boat accident along Bennett Island River in Warri South.

“Five persons were found dead, six persons injured and still receiving treatment.

“Nineteen persons were rescued from the scene while one still missing.”

Why Boat Accidents Persist Despite Regulations – NIWA Boss

Recently, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, identified human errors, drug use, and disregard for safety regulations as the primary causes of boat accidents in Nigeria over the past three years.

Speaking last week during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on NIWA to the agency’s headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State, Oyebamiji emphasized NIWA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians using water transportation.

“99 per cent of the mishaps on the waterways were a result of human errors. Research has shown that operators commit avoidable mistakes that shouldn’t have caused havoc,” Oyebamiji said.

He highlighted that some boat operators misuse drugs, impairing their judgment and contributing to serious accidents.

Others, he noted, blatantly disregard regulations, such as overloading wooden boats with 150 to 200 passengers far beyond their capacity.

Oyebamiji also stressed the importance of adhering to transportation codes, which many operators neglect.

He pointed out the lack of life jackets for passengers and the inadequacy of penalties, with the current fine set at only ₦30,000.

The Chairman of the House Committee on NIWA, Ojema Ojotu, led a seven-member delegation to assess the authority’s operations.

He underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria’s inland waterways in improving connectivity, alleviating road congestion, and boosting economic growth.