The Benue State Government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on unsafe practices along its waterways, aiming to reduce the rising incidence of boat accidents across the state.
Water transport remains a vital means of movement for residents of Buruku, Guma, and Agatu Local Government Areas, where rivers serve as major routes for both passengers and goods.
On Friday, the 23rd of January, 2026, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, officially inaugurated a rigorous enforcement drive to enhance safety standards on inland waterways.
The initiative follows a tragic incident on River Buruku, where a boat carrying students back to school capsized, resulting in the deaths of six learners.
The state government stated that the new safety framework was developed in collaboration with the Buruku Local Government Council, relevant security agencies, and the Traditional Council, aiming to standardise river transportation and protect commuters.
Under the updated regulations, all passengers are now required to wear life jackets, and operators have been warned against transporting more than one vehicle at a time, a practice linked to frequent overloading and instability.
Explaining the policy, Har said, “The new protocols establish a rigorous safety standard for all river commuters and operators.
Under the revised guidelines, the use of life jackets is now strictly mandatory for all passengers, while boat operators are prohibited from carrying more than one vehicle at a time to prevent overloading.”
The state government has also revised operating hours, mandating that all river movements must conclude by 8:00 p.m. daily, extending the previous 6:00 p.m. limit prescribed by federal authorities.
Har emphasized the importance of safety awareness, adding, “These measures also demand strict adherence to weather safety protocols and the adoption of internationally recognised standard practices for water transport to mitigate the risks of further tragedies.”
Addressing community leaders, marine workers, and security personnel at the riverbank, the security adviser said the measures aim to restore public confidence in ferry services while a bridge project in the area remains under construction.
He disclosed that the decisions were made during a high-level security meeting presided over by the Special Adviser on Security and External Liaison, retired Col. Alex Igbaya Anshingu.
As part of immediate steps, Har directed that all access roads to the riverbanks on both sides be closed after 8:00 p.m. to enforce the new travel restrictions.
He also announced a grace period before full enforcement, noting, “Full enforcement of the life jacket mandate will begin on February 1 to allow time for the procurement of sufficient equipment.”
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The adviser lamented that life jackets previously provided through individual efforts, local government contributions, and private donations had been destroyed by former union leaders, leaving commuters vulnerable.
He urged the council chairman and other public-spirited individuals to support the initiative by providing new life jackets to safeguard lives.
To ensure compliance, Har proposed establishing a joint task force comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the state-run Civil Protection Guards (CPG).
In response, the Chairman of the Marine Union and the Tyoor Mbaapen welcomed the government’s intervention, acknowledging that previous community-led safety measures failed due to weak enforcement.
They expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the security agencies for the decisive action and expressed optimism that law enforcement involvement would significantly enhance safety on the state’s waterways.