Boat capsizes in Rivers, two siblings lose their lives

Two siblings, Mekalachi Gogochuri, 25, and Rejoice Gogochuri, 23, have died after a boat capsized in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident happened around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday as they were returning home from work.

Speaking with reporters on Sunday, the siblings' elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, said they took a canoe to cross the river to their home at Aliya (Over Bridge), where a construction company is working on the road.

"They were coming back from work and boarded a boat to cross the river to our house at Aliya (Over Bridge). A construction company is working in the area, but unfortunately, the boat capsized, and my brother and sister drowned," he said.

Abraham explained that there were seven passengers on the canoe, but only his younger siblings lost their lives.

He blamed the tragedy on the condition of the boat and the lack of life jackets.

"There were about seven people in the boat, but only the two of them drowned. The boat was not in good condition, and there were no life jackets. That was what led to their deaths," Abraham said.

He described the canoe as a leaking hand-paddled vessel, saying it had been patched with wrappers to stop water from coming in.

"We are blaming the construction company because it failed to provide safe boats and life jackets for residents who depend on the waterway. The canoe had been leaking for a long time, yet people had no option but to use it," he said.

Abraham also mentioned that a makeshift bridge, known as the "monkey bridge," had collapsed and had not been rebuilt. This left residents with no choice but to use unsafe boats.

"There was a monkey bridge here before, but it collapsed and has not been rebuilt. That is why people now depend on these boats. We are calling on the authorities to investigate why there was no safer alternative for residents. We want justice for my late brother and sister," he added.

He stated that officers from the Ahoada Police Division visited the family on Sunday as part of their investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the paramount ruler of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation, His Imperial Majesty Kelvin Ngozi, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III (Akalaka XII), expressed sadness over the tragedy.

In a statement from his spokesperson, Anamoji Felix, the monarch called the deaths of the siblings a painful loss to the Igbu Ehuda Kingdom and the whole Ekpeye nation.

He sent condolences to the grieving family, the traditional ruler of Igbu Ehuda Kingdom, Eze Noble Friday Uwoh, and the community, praying for strength for them.

When reached for comment, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would check on the incident.

Later, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident. She stated that the boat operator had been arrested.

"Yes, I can confirm the incident. Two persons died. The boat driver has been taken into custody, and an investigation is ongoing," Agabe said.