The Bonny Kingdom Development Committee (BKDC) has commiserated with the families of the victims of the recent boat mishap along Bonny River in Rivers State with a promise to advocate for safer water transportation in the area.

Chairman of BKDC, Amaopusenibo Amairigha Hart came out with this via a statement on Thursday, January 11, 2024 signed by the Secretary of the Committee, Daddy Dappa, PhD and made exclusively available to Kristina Reports in Bonny, Rivers State.

He described the incident that claimed 11 lives, including five children, as a “most unfortunate and gruesome incident”, pleading with the bereaved families to take heart, asserting that “living and doing business in Bonny Kingdom makes you our brothers and sisters”.

“At a time like this, we cannot but stand with you in this moment of grief and share in your pain and sorrow. Though we can say the Almighty God understands but as the heart aches and pain courses through the soul, bitter thoughts and tearful eyes become our companions.”

“We urge you to take heart and trust God for comfort at a time like this. Be comforted in the fact that the lost loved ones have gone to be with the good Lord. And more importantly, be strong for the journey ahead as life has not ended for you and bigger things are always in front.”

The BKDC Chairman assured that his committee was already in talks with relevant stakeholders over modalities necessary for safer water transportation and safety regulations for seagoing vessels and mariners.

“We are talking with our partners on how to make our waterways safe for traveling and to ensure that mariners and seagoing vessels comply with extant regulations regarding the marine environment.”

He called on government at all levels and the organized private sector in Bonny Island, as well as the security agencies to collaborate with the BKDC to achieve the set objectives of ensuring that the waterways are safe, maritime regulations are enforced and sea travel is attractive again.