The Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a boat accident that claimed the lives of two siblings in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The victims, Mekalachi Gogochuri, 25, and Rejoice Gogochuri, 23, drowned after a boat carrying seven passengers capsized on the Aliya (Overhead) River on Saturday evening.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, their elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, said the siblings were returning home from work when the canoe overturned during the river crossing.
He alleged that the vessel was already leaking before the journey began and claimed passengers were not provided with life jackets.
Gogochuri also attributed the tragedy to inadequate transport arrangements for residents affected by ongoing road construction in the area, arguing that safer boats and appropriate safety equipment should have been provided.
He further lamented that the collapse of a bridge serving the community had forced residents to rely on unsafe water transport.
The family has called on the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and implement measures to improve safety for river users.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the boat operator had been arrested and was being questioned.
She added that the bodies of the two victims had been deposited in a mortuary while police investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the boat mishap.
