The Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) in Bayelsa Chief Target Segiboon Thursday bemoaned the death of 20 passengers in a boat mishap in the area on Wednesday.

The cargo boat with 64 passengers on board travelling from Ekeni in Southern Ijaw to Yenagoa exploded leading to the death of 20.

The cargo boat was laden with farm produce targeted at the Swali waterfront market day on Thursday where residents of Yenagoa throng weekly to purchase food items at a bargain.

In a reaction to the development, Segibo called on Maritime Union Officers, Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy to ensure stringent safety measures in the maritime transport sector.

He urged them to alwayss inspect compliance of boat operators to maritime safety rules.

“The ill-fated news of the death of 20 persons in a boat accident in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on Wednesday, is a great loss to family members of the victims and the Local Government Area in general,” Segibo said.

The LGA Chairman while expressing grief over the ugly incident, warned operators of marine transport in the area to place utmost value on the safety of lives and properties.

He urged them to prioritise safety by providing life jackets to all passengers and ensure that their vessels are in good condition before every journey.

Segibo called on the Maritime Union Officers and men of the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy to always check particulars of boat operators to confirm their compliance to maritime safety rules.

He said that such procedures will avert and prevent avoidable boat accidents in future.

He commended security agents in the area on their timely actions in curbing crime in the LGA and other parts, which has reduced the crime rate in recent times.