The Benue State Government has donated another 200 life jackets to waterway users at the Buruku crossing point as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime safety and prevent boat mishaps across the state. The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, made the donation on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the riverbank in Buruku. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Shagbaor Ikyaator, who reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring strict compliance with established water transportation safety regulations.
Iyaghigba called on stakeholders, boat operators and passengers to cooperate with the government in enforcing safety standards at the state’s crossing points. He emphasised that the provision of life jackets by the Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia administration formed part of broader measures to promote safe water transportation and minimise the risks associated with river crossings. The commissioner urged that passengers must wear life jackets before boarding boats, warning that compliance with safety regulations must not be treated casually.
He explained that marine marshals deployed to various crossing points were mandated to monitor operations and ensure comprehensive adherence to the safety guidelines introduced by the ministry. According to him, the presence of the marshals was intended to strengthen enforcement, promote responsible conduct among water transport operators and ensure that safety procedures were observed at all times. The commissioner stressed that the government’s intervention would achieve its intended purpose only if boat operators, passengers, community leaders and the suspended union officials played their respective roles in upholding the regulations.
The latest donation comes amid intensified efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to address safety concerns along Benue’s inland waterways, particularly following the recent boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point. The state government has continued to pursue measures aimed at improving water transportation safety, including the provision of life-saving equipment, closer monitoring of crossing points and stricter enforcement of operational guidelines. Receiving the donations, the Security Secretary of the area, Rev. Gabriel Igboughur, promised to ensure that the life jackets are put to good use. He thanked the Alia administration for responding promptly and energising the rescue efforts which saw to the rescue of several passengers during the unfortunate incident.
