A routine journey home from work ended in tragedy for two siblings after a leaking canoe capsized on a river in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, claiming both their lives and sparking fresh concerns over the safety of water transportation in the community.

The victims, identified as 25-year-old Mekalachi Gogochuri and his 23-year-old sister, Rejoice Gogochuri, drowned on Saturday evening when the boat conveying them and five other passengers overturned at Aliya (Over Bridge), Ahoada Town.

Their elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, told journalists that the siblings were returning from work when the accident occurred around 7:45 p.m.

According to him, the canoe, which serves as a major means of transportation for residents, was already leaking before it set off and had no life jackets for passengers.

“They were coming back from work and boarded a boat to cross the river because that is the route to our house. The boat capsized, and my brother and sister drowned,” he said.

Abraham disclosed that although about seven passengers were on board, only the two siblings lost their lives

He blamed the tragedy on the poor condition of the canoe and the absence of basic safety measures, accusing the construction company working in the area of failing to provide safe boats and life jackets for residents forced to cross the river.

“It was just an ordinary hand-paddled canoe. It had been leaking for a long time, and they even used wrappers to block some of the holes. There were no life jackets. This tragedy could have been avoided,” he lamented.

He further revealed that a monkey bridge previously used by residents had collapsed and was never reconstructed, leaving the community with no option but to depend on unsafe boats.

“There was a monkey bridge before, but it collapsed and has not been rebuilt. That is why people are risking their lives on these boats. We are calling on the authorities to investigate this incident and ensure justice for my late brother and sister,” he added.

Abraham said officers from the Ahoada Police Division visited the family on Sunday and had commenced an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Imperial Majesty Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Akalaka XII, has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of the two siblings.

In a statement issued on Monday by the palace spokesperson, the monarch described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the victims died while striving to earn an honest living.

He extended condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Igbu Ehuda Kingdom, urging the community to remain united in the face of the tragedy and praying for strength and comfort for those affected.

The Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo confirmed the incident.

She said “two persons died.The operator of the boat have been taken into custody for questioning” (The Guardian)