Tragedy Strikes in Bayelsa: 20 Dead as Boat Explodes, Sinks

A devastating boat accident has occurred in Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, resulting in the loss of 20 lives.

The wooden cargo boat, ‘Godbless Dickson’, was carrying over 64 passengers and crew members when it burst into flames and sank in the Bayelsa waterways.

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According to ASP Musa Mohammed, spokesperson for the Bayelsa Police Command, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims. The boat was transporting farm produce from a rural settlement to Swali market in Yenagoa when the incident occurred.

The chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Target Segibo, has described the incident as a “disaster” and “regrettable”, calling for improved safety regulations in the marine transport sector.