Two siblings have died after a boat carrying them and five other passengers capsized on a river in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The victims, identified as Mekalachi Gogochuri, 25, and Rejoice Gogochuri, 23, reportedly drowned on Saturday evening while returning home from work through the Aliya (Over Head) River in the community.
Their elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday that the incident occurred about 7:45 p.m. when his siblings boarded the boat to cross the river.
According to him, the two victims were among seven passengers travelling in the boat when it suddenly capsized.
“They were coming back from work and boarded a boat to cross the river because it is the route residents use to access our community.
“Unfortunately, the boat capsized and my brother and sister drowned. Although there were about seven passengers on board, only the two of them lost their lives,” he said.
Gogochuri blamed the incident on the poor condition of the boat and the absence of safety measures, including life jackets.
He claimed the vessel was already taking in water before the journey began and was unfit for transportation.
“It was an ordinary canoe paddled by hand. The boat was already leaking, and parts of it had been covered with wrappers to reduce the leakage.
“There were no life jackets for passengers. We believe this contributed significantly to the tragedy,” he said.
Gogochuri also accused the construction company handling road works in the area of failing to provide safe transportation alternatives for residents affected by the project.
He said the company ought to have provided stronger boats and adequate safety equipment for commuters using the route.
He further lamented that a bridge previously constructed in the area had collapsed and had not been rebuilt, forcing residents to rely on unsafe boats for transportation.
Gogochuri called on the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, ASP Blessing Agabe, said that investigations had commenced.
Agabe said the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary while a suspect linked to the incident had been arrested.
“The key suspect, who is the driver of the boat, is currently in police custody and is being interrogated.
“Investigations will determine the exact cause of the boat mishap”, she said.
