The Bayelsa State Police Command has given a detailed account of two separate fatal waterway accidents recorded in the State which resulted in the tragic loss of a serving police officer and a female passenger of Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.
The command noted that the first incident, involving the capsizing of a passenger boat, occurred on Thursday, 6th November 2026, along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass Local Government Area. The incident was reported by Maritime Union workers in Brass LGA and involved a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa with eight persons reportedly on board. Upon receiving the report, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, in collaboration with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, immediately commenced search and rescue operations, resulting in the rescue of seven passengers, including the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, DR. Ebiere Jones, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Sadly, the police officer initially reported missing was subsequently confirmed dead.
According to a statement by the Commands Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohamed,police, the second incident occurred on Saturday, 7th November 2026, at about 5 ‘oclock in the morning along the shoreline of Angalabiri Community, Sagbama LGA. Following the report by the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), the Bayelsa State Police Command promptly deployed its Marine Police personnel to investigate and verify the incident. Preliminary findings reveals that a tanker vessel belonging to Sterling Global Oil Ltd, while navigating close to the shoreline, reportedly hit some canoes which resulted in their destruction. In the unfortunate occurrence, one Mrs Victoria Abetnigo, an indigene of the community who was aboard one of the affected canoes, sustained serious injuries. She was immediately rushed to Ebedeibiri General Hospital for medical attention but was subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. Her remains have been deposited at Ofoni Mortuary, while investigation continues to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, CP Ajao Saka Adewale expresses profound sadness over these unfortunate incidents and extends heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased. He particularly shares in the grief of the Command over the loss of its personnel and prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, as well as the fortitude for their respective families to bear these irreparable losses.
The CP, while commending the efforts of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, local divers, Maritime Union workers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community for their timely intervention and contributions to the rescue efforts, also urges all boat and commercial vessel operators to exercise utmost caution and strictly adhere to maritime safety regulations. They are particularly advised to maintain safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes and avoid reckless navigation. Passengers are equally urged to wear life jackets throughout their journeys, while all waterway users are enjoined to prioritise safety and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
The Command reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property across Bayelsa State.
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