At least seven market women died in a terrible occurrence in the oil-bearing hamlet of Gelegele, in the Ovia North-East Local Government area of Edo, as the boat transporting them collapsed.
The accident happened in the wee hours of last week Thursday in the little riverine village located roughly 35 kilometres from the state capital, Benin City.
The vessel, carrying 28 people, including women and children from the market, collided with oil barges owned by the international oil exploration company Dubri.
The unfortunate vessel had pulled into Gelegele to refuel and drop off a few people.
It was pushed against the barges stationed along the channel by a strong water current as it was being refuelled.
The accident was deemed preventable by community residents and local government representatives.
The personnel of the maritime police stationed nearby hauled several of the survivors out from under the barge.
Eighteen of the passengers were saved with their assistance and the assistance of other locals, while seven tragically died.
According to reports, the deceased’s remains have been placed at Stella Obasanjo and Time Hospitals.
Blessing Perewari, the deputy chairman of the Ovia North East Local Government Area, observed that the barges’ parking arrangement obstructed the waterway. He held the oil firm responsible for their failure to supply ambulances to transport the deceased.
The community has been profoundly affected by this tragic event, which also raises important concerns regarding the safety protocols for water transportation.