Must Read
Over 20 people have died after a wooden cargo boat called 'Godbless Dickson' caught fire and exploded in Bayelsa State.
The boat was carrying goods and had over 64 passengers and crew when the incident happened. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday near the Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
State Police Spokesman, ASP Musa Mohammed, confirmed that more than 20 people have died, and the Marine Police Unit is still trying to rescue others.
The boat, loaded with farm produced from a rural area, was on its way to Swali market in Yenagoa.
Mr. Ogoniba Ipigansi, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, confirmed the incident on Thursday. He said a rescue team with two speed boats was sent to help the passengers.
Ipigansi also said the exact number of people who died is still unknown because the rescue is ongoing, and some people are still missing.
Target Segibo, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, expressed sorrow over the loss of 20 lives and described the incident as tragic. He urged everyone involved to work together to improve safety rules in marine transport.
