A tragic boat accident has claimed the lives of two siblings in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State after a passenger canoe carrying seven people capsized while crossing a river.
The victims were identified as 25-year-old Mekalachi Gogochuri and 23-year-old Rejoice Gogochuri. They were reportedly returning home from work on Saturday evening when the wooden canoe overturned near Aliya (Over Bridge) in Ahoada Town.
According to their elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, the siblings resorted to using the boat because ongoing construction work had made it the most accessible route to their community. He said five other passengers survived the incident, but the two siblings drowned.
Abraham alleged that the canoe was in poor condition and had been leaking before the journey. He also claimed there were no life jackets on board, raising concerns about safety standards for water transportation in the area.
He further called on the relevant authorities to investigate the incident, provide safer transport alternatives for residents, and ensure similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
Summary in Nigerian Pidgin
Two brothers and sisters, Mekalachi and Rejoice Gogochuri, don die after the canoe wey dem enter capsize for Ahoada, Rivers State. Dem dey return from work when the boat overturn. Their elder brother talk say the canoe dey leak and no life jacket dey for passengers. Five other people survive, while e call on government make dem investigate the incident and provide safer way for people to cross the river.
