A tragic boat accident has claimed the lives of two siblings, Mekalachi Gogochuri, 25, and Rejoice Gogochuri, 23, after a canoe carrying seven passengers capsized in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred in the evening as the victims and other passengers were returning home from work.
Speaking on the incident, the deceased’s elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, said the siblings boarded a canoe to cross the river to their residence at Aliya (Over Bridge), where ongoing road construction has disrupted access to the community.
He explained that although seven people were on board, only the two siblings lost their lives.
Abraham attributed the tragedy to the poor condition of the canoe and the absence of life jackets, alleging that residents had been forced to rely on unsafe water transport because there was no safer alternative.
He further claimed that the canoe had been leaking for a long time and that a temporary crossing, popularly known as the “monkey bridge,” had collapsed without being replaced, leaving residents dependent on the waterway.
He appealed to the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and improve safety measures for residents using the route.
Abraham also disclosed that officers from the Ahoada Police Division visited the family as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the paramount ruler of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation, His Imperial Majesty Kelvin Ngozi, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III (Akalaka XII), expressed grief over the loss, describing the deaths as a painful tragedy for the Igbu Ehuda Kingdom and the Ekpeye people.
The monarch extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the traditional ruler of Igbu Ehuda Kingdom, Eze Noble Friday Uwoh, and members of the community, praying for strength for them during the difficult period.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the boat operator had been arrested while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
She confirmed that two people lost their lives in the accident and assured that the outcome of the investigation would determine the next line of action.