Police Officer and Woman Die in Bayelsa Waterway Accidents

A police officer and a woman have died in two different waterway accidents in Bayelsa State. Seven passengers were rescued after a boat capsized in Brass Local Government Area.

The accidents happened in Brass and Sagbama Local Government Areas.

The Bayelsa State Police Command shared this information in a statement on Saturday. The statement was from DSP Musa Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer. It said the first accident took place along the Abedigbene waterways in Brass.

The passenger boat was on its way from Yenagoa to Akassa. There were eight people on board when it capsized.

Maritime Union workers in Brass reported the incident. This led to a search-and-rescue operation involving the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, Formoso, local divers, and members of the Abedigbene fishing community.

The police confirmed that seven passengers were saved, including Dr Ebiere Jones, the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. However, a police officer who was missing was later found dead.

The statement noted, "Upon receiving the report, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, along with local divers and members of the Abedigbene fishing community, started search and rescue operations.

"This effort led to the rescue of seven passengers, including the state commissioner and an NSCDC officer. Sadly, the police officer initially reported missing was later confirmed dead."

In another incident, a woman died after a tanker vessel reportedly hit canoes near Angalabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area. The accident happened around 5:20 am on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

According to the police, early investigations showed that the tanker belonged to Sterling Global Oil Limited. It was close to the shoreline when it allegedly struck some canoes, destroying them.

One passenger, Mrs Victoria Abetnigo, who was from Angalabiri Community, got serious injuries during the incident. She was taken to Ebedeibiri General Hospital, where a doctor later confirmed her dead.

The police reported that her body has been taken to Ofoni Mortuary. They are still investigating what happened during the incident.

In response to these two tragedies, the Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, expressed sorrow over the deaths. He sent condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the victims.

Adewale specifically mourned the death of the police officer and prayed for peace for the victims' souls. He also wished strength for their families to cope with their losses.

The CP praised the Nigerian Navy’s FOB Formoso, local divers, Maritime Union workers, and members of the Abedigbene fishing community for rescuing seven passengers from the capsized boat.

He urged boat operators and commercial vessel owners to be careful while using the state's waterways. They should follow maritime safety rules.

Adewale warned commercial vessel operators not to go too close to shorelines and canoe paths. "They should keep safe distances from shorelines and canoe routes and avoid reckless navigation," he said.

The commissioner also advised passengers to wear life jackets during their trips. He encouraged everyone using the waterways to prioritize safety and report emergencies to the right authorities.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in Bayelsa State.