The Benue State Government has suspended the Buruku crossing-point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) following a boat mishap that left several passengers unaccounted for, even as rescue efforts continue.

The government announced the measures after the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, visited the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment.

According to a statement on the response to the accident, the Commissioner ordered the immediate suspension of the union’s Buruku branch as part of measures to address safety concerns surrounding the crossing point.

Iyaghigba also ordered the suspension of the line operator and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident.

The government did not, however, publicly establish at the time of the announcement that any of the individuals or the union were responsible for the mishap. The circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation.

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has activated search-and-rescue operations and is working with local divers to intensify efforts to locate passengers who remain unaccounted for.

The Commissioner also announced the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the incident and establish what he described as its immediate, remote and underlying causes.

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the mishap, the conditions at the crossing point and compliance with applicable waterway safety requirements.

As part of the government’s immediate safety response, Iyaghigba ordered strict compliance with the mandatory use of life jackets at all river crossing points across Benue State.

The directive comes amid renewed concerns over passenger safety on the state’s waterways, particularly at busy crossing points where residents rely on boats for transportation.

The government also moved against an abandoned barge reportedly believed to have contributed to the accident.

According to the government, the owner of the barge has been given a seven-day ultimatum to evacuate it from the crossing point or risk having it confiscated by the state.

The Commissioner is further expected to work with relevant ministries, departments and agencies during the week to interrogate the circumstances surrounding the incident and strengthen safety measures across Benue’s waterways.

The boat mishap has heightened attention on the need for stronger enforcement of safety regulations at river crossings, including the availability and proper use of life jackets, safe navigation channels and the removal of potential obstructions.

While the government has announced administrative and enforcement measures, the full circumstances of the accident remain subject to investigation.

The state government said further details would be made available as the rescue operation and investigation progress.

For now, search-and-rescue efforts remain ongoing, with authorities and local divers continuing efforts to account for those still missing.