Benue Govt Enforces Life Jackets, Curfew for Safer River Transport
In a decisive move to halt deadly ferry accidents at Buruku Waterfront, the state government has rolled out tough safety rules, including mandatory life jackets, no overloading, one-vehicle-per-boat limits, and an 8:00 p.m. curfew with road barricades—pending completion of a permanent bridge
Leading the charge is Chief Joseph Terwase Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs.
Addressing marine workers, stakeholders, traditional rulers, and security teams at the riverbank, yesterday he announced resolutions from a high-level security meeting he co-chaired with Col. Alex Igbaya Anshingu (Rtd.), Special Adviser on Security and External Liaison.
The directives target key dangers: reckless operators ignoring weather warnings, dilapidated boats, unused life jackets, and profit-driven overloading that have claimed lives and property.
“These ferries were built to boost trade and cut costs, but weak enforcement turned them into death traps,” Chief Dr. Har stated.
Full life jacket rollout begins February 1, delayed by shortages after vandals destroyed prior donations from himself, Buruku Local Government, and others.
He called on the local government chairman and donors to step up, and proposed a multi-agency enforcement squad with DSS, NPF, NIWA, and CPG.
The Marine Union Chairman and Tyoor Mbaapen hailed the initiative, noting past community efforts fell short without security backing.
They thanked Gov. Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia and prayed for his and the advisers’ success.
