Amidst the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, indigenes of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have accused commercial boat pilots operating in the area of endangering the lives of their passengers through negligence and apathy.

Some of them who spoke to Kristina Reports say most of the commercial boat pilots plying the waterways in Okrika, including Kalio, Abuloma, Marine Base, and other routes display negligence to their duties and apathy to complaints by passengers thus increasing the risk exposure travelers face.

One of the commuters, who simply identified himself as Aboy, told Kristina Reports on Thursday, January 17, 2024, that the level of irresponsibility among the boat drivers is quite alarming and if caution is not applied, it could lead to disastrous consequences as it is already posing danger to sojourners.

“I don’t know why a boat driver will not check his boat before boarding passengers, only to get to the middle of the sea and the boat stops automatically, and when you try to speak up, the response you get is not friendly.”

Aboy advised that a committee should be set up to look into the situation to avoid recording any casualty.  

In another chat with Kristina Reports, a woman who plies the Kalio route and pleaded anonymity, described her last experience while travelling as “a narrow escape from death”, saying that since then, she has refuse to ply the sea route for her own safety.

“The boat I entered last that almost took my life was the Kalio boat. Until we got to our destination, the boat was not balance, and there were lots of kids inside that day.”

“To make matters worse, the sea was very rough because of the big engine boats and several other vessels. I don’t think I will follow that route again because it is not safe.”

An elderly lady, who did not want her name in print, also told Kristina Reports about the negligence of the boat drivers, advising that the boat drivers’ union should be called to order.

“I don’t know what is wrong with the boats. It is always filled with water and they are always bailing water out. It means the boat is leaking and greed will not let them carry few persons. They will want to carry more than they should with bad engines and inexperience in their driving skills.”

Efforts by Kristina Reports to reach leaders of the boat drivers’ union proved abortive as at press time.