Two siblings have lost their lives after a leaking canoe carrying them and five other passengers capsized on a river in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, raising renewed concerns over water transportation safety in the area.
The victims, identified as 25-year-old Mekalachi Gogochuri and his 23-year-old sister, Rejoice Gogochuri, drowned on Saturday evening when the canoe overturned at Aliya (Over Bridge) in Ahoada Town.
Their elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, told journalists that the siblings were returning home from work when the incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m.
He alleged that the canoe, a key means of transport for residents, was already leaking before it departed and that no life jackets were provided for passengers.
“They were coming back from work and boarded a boat to cross the river because that is the route to our house. The boat capsized, and my brother and sister drowned,” he said.
Abraham stated that although seven people were onboard, only the two siblings lost their lives. He blamed the accident on the poor condition of the canoe and the lack of basic safety measures, accusing the construction company operating in the area of failing to provide safe boats and life jackets for residents who rely on the river crossing.
