Woman loses her life in Bayelsa boat mishap

A woman identified as Mrs Victoria Abetnigo, has lost her life in a waterway accident in Bayelsa State.

The incident occurred at about 5:20 am on Saturday, November 7, 2026. along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama LGA.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, DSP Mohammed said preliminary findings indicated that a tanker belonging to Sterling Global Oil Ltd hit some canoes while navigating close to the shoreline.

He said the collision destroyed the canoes, leaving Abetnigo, who was aboard one of them, seriously injured.

According to him, she was rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital, where a doctor later confirmed her passing.

Her remains have been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A police officer has been confirmed dead aafter a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa capsized along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass LGA on Thursday.

The boat reportedly carried eight passengers, seven of whom were rescued by Nigerian Navy personnel, local divers, and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.

Those rescued included the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). 

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed sadness over the incidents and condoled with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.

The commissioner also commended the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, local divers, maritime union workers and members of the fishing community for their rescue efforts.

He urged boat and commercial vessel operators to observe maritime safety regulations, maintain safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes, and avoid reckless navigation.

He also advised passengers to wear life jackets throughout their journeys and urged waterway users to report emergencies promptly.