Eleven Dead as Benue Boat Defies Curfew, Sails Into Storm

What should have been an ordinary journey home across the waters of River Benue ended in unimaginable grief when a family of six was wiped out in a boat mishap that claimed 11 lives in Makurdi, Benue State. The tragedy, which occurred over the weekend near Daududawadawa - an island settlement behind the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering barracks - has left an entire community mourning and raised fresh concerns over persistent violations of water transportation safety regulations.

NIWA: Vessel Sailed an Hour Past Curfew With a Faulty Engine

The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, disclosed on Monday that the doomed vessel ignored critical safety guidelines before embarking on the fatal trip. NIWA Area Manager in Makurdi, Mr. Andrew Ndahi, said preliminary investigations showed the wooden boat departed at approximately 7 p.m. - one hour after the legally approved closing time for water transportation activities.

They violated the law. They started sailing around 7 p.m. and the engine was faulty. Everybody knows there was a storm and strong wind during that period.

— Andrew Ndahi, NIWA Area Manager, Makurdi

One Family, Six Members Lost - Including the Maritime Chairman

Among the most devastating revelations was the discovery that a single family lost six of its members in the disaster - with the head of that family serving as the chairman of the maritime group in the community. About 22 passengers were onboard when the accident occurred. Nine victims were recovered and buried shortly after the incident, while 11 others were rescued alive. One passenger remains missing as search and rescue operations continue. The boat operator has reportedly disappeared since the incident.

Investigators found that despite heavy rainfall, strong winds and reports of engine failure, the boat operator proceeded with the journey. Ndahi reiterated that NIWA regulations clearly prohibit movement on inland waterways beyond 6 p.m. and require operators to suspend operations whenever weather conditions become dangerous.

Our law says 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the boat sailed at 7 p.m. Again, the law says disengage when there is a storm or heavy wind. You can see there was serious wind and rainfall around that time.

— Andrew Ndahi

No Life Jacket, No Sailing - NIWA Vows to Intensify Enforcement

Ndahi stressed that wearing life jackets remains mandatory for both passengers and operators, and that NIWA would intensify sensitisation campaigns across riverine communities to educate boat operators and passengers on the importance of obeying safety regulations. Safety advocates have repeatedly warned that many avoidable deaths continue to occur due to overloading, poor vessel maintenance and failure to comply with basic safety measures.

No life jacket, no sailing. All passengers, including operators, must wear life jackets. We are doing our best to make these people adhere to our rules and regulations to avoid tragedies. If they follow our rules, accidents will be minimal.

— Andrew Ndahi

For the family of six lost in a single night, however, the lessons come too late - a painful reminder of how a few ignored safety rules can destroy an entire household in moments.