Benue State Government has donated an additional 200 life jackets to waterway users at the Buruku crossing point as part of efforts to prevent boat mishaps and strengthen safety on the state’s inland waterways.
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Iyaghigba, announced the donation on Thursday, through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Shagbaor Ikyaator, who represented him at the riverbank in Buruku.
The commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration to protecting lives and enforcing safety regulations at the state’s crossing points.
He urged boat operators, passengers and community leaders to cooperate with the government in ensuring compliance with established safety standards.
Iyaghigba stressed that all passengers must wear life jackets before boarding boats, warning that safety regulations must not be treated casually.
He also explained that marine marshals deployed to various crossing points were mandated to monitor operations and ensure compliance with the ministry’s safety guidelines.
The commissioner emphasised that the success of the government’s interventions depended on the cooperation of boat operators, passengers, community leaders and suspended union officials.
The donation comes amid renewed safety concerns following the October 3, 2026, boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point.
Receiving the life jackets, the area’s Security Secretary, Rev. Gabriel Igboughur, promised to ensure that the equipment was put to proper use.
He thanked the Alia administration for its prompt response and support for rescue efforts, which led to the rescue of several passengers during the incident.
The government said the donation formed part of broader efforts to improve water transportation safety through the provision of life-saving equipment, closer monitoring and stricter enforcement of operational guidelines.
The Voice gathered tis recent donation has increased the total number of life jackets donated to Buruku crossing by the Benue State Government to 225
