The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has condemned the fatal vessel collision involving a Sterling Global Oil Ltd vessel and locally operated canoes at the Angalabiri waterfront in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The incident, which claimed the life of Mrs. Victoria Abetnigo, an indigene of Angalabiri, also resulted in the destruction of several canoes, threatening the livelihoods of families dependent on fishing and water transportation.
In a statement issued on November 8, 2026, and signed by its Information Officer, Comrade Boro Francis, the IYC Central Zone, under the leadership of Dr. Enebraye Patrick Orusengha, described the incident as a grave concern requiring urgent attention, investigation and accountability.
The council stressed that waterways are shared spaces and vital sources of transportation and livelihood for communities, urging corporate operators to exercise the highest level of caution to prevent the loss of lives and property.
Consequently, the IYC demanded that Sterling Global Oil Ltd formally engage the leadership of Angalabiri Federated Community and the family of the deceased within 72 hours to address the incident and commence discussions on adequate compensation.
It also called for the suspension of all Sterling Global vessel movements along the affected Angalabiri River axis for four days to allow meaningful community engagement and the establishment of necessary safety assurances.
The council further demanded adequate compensation for owners of the destroyed canoes and urged relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to establish responsibility and ensure accountability if negligence or breaches of maritime safety regulations were established.
The IYC Central Zone warned that it would not remain silent while the lives and livelihoods of its people were endangered.
It stated that failure by the company to respond meaningfully within the stipulated 72 hours would compel the council to mobilise for a peaceful and lawful occupation of the affected river axis in defence of community interests and safety.
The council, however, expressed condolences to the family of the late Mrs. Victoria Abetnigo and the entire Angalabiri Federated Community, assuring them of its solidarity during the difficult period.