FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced decisive measures to enhance the safety of lives and property at the Buruku crossing point and other riverine communities that rely heavily on water transportation.
This was disclosed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during a sympathy visit and on-the-spot assessment tour to the Buruku crossing point, following a tragic boat mishap on Sunday, January 18, 2026, which claimed the lives of six persons, mostly students.
Speaking with the District Head of Binev and representatives of ferry operators, the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba, who spoke on behalf of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, said the visit was to commiserate with the families of the victims and to assess the situation firsthand.
He described the incident as pathetic and assured the community that concrete measures would be implemented to prevent a recurrence.
Hon. Iyaighgba explained that the joint visit by BSEMA and the Ministry followed a directive by Governor Alia to conduct a fact-finding mission and submit a comprehensive report for immediate action.
He stressed that his Ministry, working closely with BSEMA, would ensure the full implementation and strict enforcement of safety protocols in line with the Governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Benue citizens.
According to him, ferry operators would be required to comply strictly with all operational regulations, including the mandatory provision and use of safety equipment such as life jackets.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, who was represented by the Programme Manager, IDPs Operations, Mr. Orseer Gaius Zege, described the incident as unfortunate. He assured that the Benue State Government, through BSEMA and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, would strengthen regulatory, governance, and institutional frameworks to ensure strict adherence to safety standards by both ferry operators and passengers at the Buruku crossing point and other riverine locations across the state.
In his response, the District Head of Binev, Chief Dennis Nyitse Hagh, commended Governor Alia for his show of solidarity with the affected families and for taking proactive steps to safeguard the lives and property of residents who depend on water transportation, particularly at the Buruku crossing point.
A minute of silence was observed during the visit in honour of the six deceased victims.
The Honourable Commissioner and officials of BSEMA were accompanied by the Director-General, Bureau for Homeland Security, Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan; the Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe; and other members of the delegation.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
