It was a serene afternoon on the Bennett Island River in Delta State, with boats gliding across the waters as passengers travelled to their destinations.
Among them was Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, returning to Asaba after engaging with his constituents in Warri.
Deadly Boat Mishap
In an instant, a peaceful journey turned to tragedy when a near head-on collision between two boats resulted in a devastating accident, claiming lives and leaving a trail of heartbreak.
The mishap led to the death of five passengers, six injuries, and twenty others reported missing.
Speaker Guwor survived the ordeal but remained deeply shaken.
The quick response of rescue teams and medical personnel saved many lives, but the tragedy has cast a shadow over the community.
Delta Speaker Statement
Speaking about the incident, Guwor expressed his profound grief, stating, “I am deeply heartbroken by the loss of lives in this tragic accident.
“My prayers are with the families of the deceased, and I hope they find the strength to endure this unimaginable pain.”
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, on Wednesday, Guwor further noted that “this tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve safety standards on our waterways.
“I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly to ensure such disasters do not happen again”.
People Also Read: Edo: How Okpebholo Used ₦30 Billion To Settle Godfathers – PDP
Delta Speaker Boat Mishap Survival
Reflecting on his survival, he said: “I thank God for sparing my life and that of other survivors.
“However, my heart remains heavy for those we lost. Their memories will forever remain with us”.
The Speaker also commended the swift actions of the rescue teams and medical personnel who attended to the victims.
“Their prompt response saved many lives, and I am deeply grateful for their courage and dedication in the face of such adversity,” he remarked.
As the community mourns this tragic event, Guwor reiterated his commitment to supporting the families of the victims.
“We must come together in this moment of grief to support one another and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he concluded.
The state remains in mourning, and the incident has reignited discussions about the need for stringent safety protocols on Nigeria’s waterways.
