20 Killed In Deadly Boat Explosion In Bayelsa, Nigeria’s Waterways

20 Killed In Deadly Boat Explosion In Bayelsa, Nigeria’s Waterways

A wooden cargo boat, named ‘Godbless Dickson’, carrying over 64 passengers and crew along with cargo, exploded and caught fire in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, resulting in 20 confirmed deaths. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Ezetu 1 community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

According to Ireporteronline, the boat was en route from a rural area to the Swali market in Yenagoa with farm produce when the explosion happened.

Police spokesperson Musa Mohammed confirmed the death toll, while ongoing rescue operations are being led by the Marine Police unit. Ogoniba Ipigansi, chairperson of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, also verified the incident and reported that a union rescue team with two speedboats was dispatched to assist.

The exact number of casualties remains uncertain as rescue efforts continue, with several passengers still unaccounted for. Speedboat operator Augustine Amayoro reported rescuing 10 individuals from the scene, while others remain stranded in a nearby fishing camp.

The wooden cargo boats, which had been exempted from the state government’s night navigation ban, were operating ahead of the Thursday market days when the incident occurred. Target Segibo, chairperson of Southern Ijaw, expressed deep regret over the tragedy and called for improved safety regulations in the marine transport sector.