No fewer than seven people have died following a boat mishap that occurred in Ayama community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
It was gathered that the accident which claimed seven lives, including a female Corps member and a pregnant woman, happened when the boat conveying about 15 passengers from Otuan lost control and crashed into a blockade.
It was also learnt that two children and a 70-year-old man were among the victims of the Sunday accident.
Comunity sources blamed the accident on the heavy rainfall, which they said reduced visibility, forcing passengers to cover themselves with tarpaulin.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Maritime Union in Otuan Community, Joseph Shedrack, blamed the accident on reckless driving, noting that the boat should not have been allowed to load passengers onboard due to bad weather.
He disclosed that the boat driver identified as Lucky Christopher, who survived the accident, has been arrested and detained by the Police Unit in Ayama over alleged reckless driving.
“I was told a Corps member, two children, and a woman died. Even the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor has called me,” he added.
The State Chairman of the Maritime Union, Mr. Ipigansi Ogoniba said six people have been confirmed missing and one dead, while the spokesperson of the state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Matthew Otuogbu, said a detailed report would be made on the missing corps member after search and rescue, and her body recovered.
