Francis Dufugha
The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed two separate fatal waterway accidents in the state, resulting in the deaths of a serving police officer and a female passenger from Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Command said the first incident involved a passenger boat that capsized along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass Local Government Area on Thursday, November 6.
According to the police, the boat was travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa with eight persons on board when the accident occurred.
The incident was reported by Maritime Union workers in Brass, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation by personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.
The operation led to the rescue of seven passengers, 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, the police officer who was initially reported missing was subsequently confirmed dead.
The second accident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama LGA, when a tanker vessel belonging to Sterling Global Oil Ltd reportedly collided with canoes navigating close to the shoreline.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the vessel struck some canoes, destroying them in the process.
One of the victims, identified as Mrs Victoria Abetnigo, an indigene of Angalabiri Community, sustained serious injuries in the incident.
She was immediately rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor.
Her remains have been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reacting to the twin tragedies, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed profound sadness over the incidents and extended his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
The police commissioner particularly lamented the loss of the Command’s personnel, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and the strength for their respective families to bear the painful losses.
He also commended the Nigerian Navy’s FOB FORMOSO, local divers, Maritime Union workers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community for their prompt intervention and contributions to the rescue operation.
The CP called on boat operators and commercial vessel owners to exercise utmost caution and strictly comply with maritime safety regulations.
He specifically urged vessel operators to maintain safe distances from shorelines and established canoe routes and avoid reckless navigation.
Passengers were equally advised to wear life jackets throughout their journeys, while all waterway users were encouraged to prioritise safety and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Bayelsa State.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, ANIPR, FOOSI, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command.
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