Cop, woman die in Bayelsa waterway accidents

A police officer and a woman have died in two separate waterway accidents in Bayelsa State, with seven passengers rescued after a boat capsized in Brass Local Government Area.

The incidents occurred in Brass and Sagbama Local Government Areas of the state.

The Bayelsa State Police Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the first accident occurred along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass.

The passenger boat, which was travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, had eight persons on board when it capsized.

The incident was reported by Maritime Union workers in Brass, prompting a search-and-rescue operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, Formoso; local divers; and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.

The police said seven passengers were rescued, including the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

However, a police officer who was initially reported missing was later confirmed dead.

The statement said, “Upon receiving the report, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, immediately commenced search and rescue operations.

“The intervention resulted in the rescue of seven passengers, including the state commissioner and an NSCDC officer.

“Sadly, the police officer initially reported missing was subsequently confirmed dead.”

In a separate incident, a woman died after a tanker vessel allegedly collided with canoes along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.

The accident occurred at about 5:20am on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the tanker, belonging to Sterling Global Oil Limited, was navigating close to the shoreline when it reportedly struck some canoes, destroying them.

One of the passengers, identified as Mrs Victoria Abetnigo, an indigene of Angalabiri Community, sustained serious injuries in the incident.

She was rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital, where she was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

The police said her remains had been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while an investigation was ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reacting to the two tragedies, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed sadness over the deaths and condoled with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

Adewale particularly lamented the death of the serving police officer and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls and strength for their families to bear their losses.

The CP also commended the Nigerian Navy’s FOB Formoso, local divers, Maritime Union workers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community for their roles in rescuing seven passengers from the capsized boat.

He urged boat operators and commercial vessel owners to exercise caution while navigating the state’s waterways and comply with established maritime safety regulations.

Adewale specifically warned commercial vessel operators against navigating too close to shorelines and canoe routes.

“They are particularly advised to maintain safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes and avoid reckless navigation,” he said.

The commissioner also urged passengers to wear life jackets throughout their journeys and encouraged all waterway users to prioritise safety and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Bayelsa State.