THE BENUE State House of Assembly has issued a directive to the state’s Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to establish a regulatory taskforce for boat operations on River Buruku.
The directive follows a tragic boat accident on Sunday, January 19, 2026 which resulted in the death of six students.
The Assembly said the taskforce is in a bid to curb unsafe practices that have led to recurring loss of lives.
In a motion of urgent public importance moved by Engr. Ezra Nyiyongo (APC/Ukum), the Assembly said it was informed that a wooden boat conveying students back to school in Gboko capsized at the Buruku crossing point.
The six students, all indigenes of Tsaav council ward in Ukum LGA, lost their lives, while nine others were hospitalised.
Hon. Nyiyongo highlighted that River Buruku serves as a critical transportation route for rural communities in Buruku, Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs, particularly for students, traders, and commuters, due to a lack of functional road networks.
He lamented the largely unregulated nature of boat transport on the river, citing an absence of life jackets, safety enforcement, and monitoring by authorities, conditions he stated have led to frequent and avoidable accidents.
Contributing to the debate, other lawmakers supported the motion, stressing the need for compulsory registration of boat operators, the provision of life jackets for all passengers, and rigorous checks to ensure vessel seaworthiness and proper fuel containment.
The House further mandated relevant committees to investigate the circumstances of the recent incident.
Consequently, the Assembly resolved that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, must establish a taskforce with a mandate to register and license all boats and operators on River Buruku, enforce the compulsory use of life jackets, and impose strict passenger load limits.
In a separate but related development, the State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Denis Iyaghigba, has issued a statement expressing “grave concern and deep distress” over the accident, which he described as a painful reminder of the dangers of unsafe water transport.
Through his Media Aide, Lubem Gena, the Commissioner extended his sympathy to the families of the victims and the Buruku community.
He disclosed that a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the immediate and remote causes of the mishap, including possible safety violations, operational negligence, or environmental factors.
Commissioner Iyaghigba warned that recklessness and disregard for safety standards would no longer be tolerated.
He assured the public that the ministry has mobilised stakeholders to intensify rescue efforts and will strengthen enforcement measures, including vessel inspections, operator licensing, and closer monitoring of riverine activities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration to protecting lives and property, emphasising that “economic development must never come at the expense of human safety.”
