Boat mishap: Benue govt to implement compulsory use of life jackets

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has directed the immediate enforcement of safety measures to stem the tides of persistent boat mishaps at River Benue.
The State government through the office of the the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har on Friday, launched the new initiative, maintaining that the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Buruku Local Government, security agencies and the traditional Council.
He insisted that henceforth, the use of life jackets, strict adherence to weather safety protocols, and compliance with other internationally recognized standard practices for water transport are now compulsory and mandatory in the State.
It would be recalled that on January 11, 2026, six students returning from school lost their lives after the boat conveying them across River Buruku capsized at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku LGA of Benue State.
Chief Har stressed that the idea to impose this enforcement is to curb the alarming rate of boat mishaps on the river and restore public confidence in the ferry system pending the completion of the ongoing bridge project.
He said the meeting analysed the situation and resolved that the use of life jackets is now mandatory for all passengers and operators, warning that overloading of boats is strictly prohibited.
He said, “Consequently, no boat shall, under any circumstance, carry more than one vehicle at a time and boat operations must stop by 8:00 p.m. daily, two hours grace from the federal government’s 6:00pm.”
The Adviser ordered the immediate barricading of access roads on both banks of the river after 8:00 p.m. stating that full enforcement of the life jacket mandate will commence on Fabuary 1, citing insufficient supply of the life jacket for now as reason.