Akakan Umoh
Two passengers were rescued after a boat mishap along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, while several others were feared dead.
In a trending video seen by this newspaper online, most passengers were feared dead in the tragic incident along Oron-Cameroon sea corridor, while goods worth millions of naira perished.
‘‘The incident occurred on Thursday, 17th September, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m., when a blue W23 speedboat with the inscription “LET’S PRAY,” powered by a Yamaha outboard engine and conveying goods, was travelling from Oron to Cameroon.
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‘‘Preliminary information indicates that while navigating the Ibaka waterways, the boat driver, Mr. Daniel, attempted to adjust the boat’s seacock to allow accumulated water onboard to drain. During the process, waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in water and eventually sink.
‘‘The driver and his conductor, Mr. Kani, were immediately rescued through the swift intervention of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, which was patrolling the waterways at the time of the incident,’’ a press release signed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Office for the state Police Command.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, mnipr, has commended the Marine Police personnel for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response, which prevented the incident from resulting in loss of life.
The CP further urged boat operators and passengers using the State’s waterways to prioritise safety at all times, ensure that vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading, provide adequate life jackets for everyone onboard, and exercise extreme caution while navigating areas with heavy marine traffic.
The Command reassures residents, travellers and maritime operators that the Police will continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance along the waterways in collaboration with other relevant security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
The security situation along the waterways remains calm, while further necessary action is ongoing.
