A police officer and a woman have lost their lives in two separate waterway accidents in Bayelsa State, while seven other passengers were rescued after a passenger boat capsized in Brass Local Government Area.
The incidents occurred in Brass and Sagbama Local Government Areas, according to the Bayelsa State Police Command.
The first accident happened along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass when a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa capsized with eight people on board.
Following the incident, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, Formoso, alongside local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, launched a search-and-rescue operation.
Seven passengers were rescued, including the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
However, a police officer who was initially declared missing was later confirmed dead.
In a separate incident, a woman identified as Mrs Victoria Abetnigo died after a tanker vessel allegedly collided with canoes along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred around 5:20am on Saturday, November 7, 2026, when the tanker, said to belong to Sterling Global Oil Limited, was navigating close to the shoreline and struck several canoes.
Related News:
Bayelsa Police Launch Crackdown on Cultists, Sponsors
NDDC Dismisses Reports of Bridge Collapse in Bayelsa
Bayelsa Reunites Rescued São Tomé Fishermen With Envoy
Abetnigo, an indigene of the community, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Her remains were subsequently deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while the police commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reacting to the tragedies, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed sadness over the deaths and extended his condolences to the bereaved families and colleagues of the victims.
He commended the Nigerian Navy, local divers, Maritime Union workers and members of the fishing community for their efforts in rescuing the seven survivors.
The police commissioner also cautioned boat operators and commercial vessel owners against reckless navigation, particularly near shorelines and canoe routes.
He further urged passengers to wear life jackets throughout their journeys and encouraged waterway users to promptly report emergencies to the relevant authorities.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
About the Author
