Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A routine journey home from work ended in tragedy on Saturday evening, June 27, 2026, when two siblings drowned after a leaking canoe capsized on the Aliya River in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. The victims have been identified as 25-year-old Mekalachi Gogochuri and his 23-year-old sister, Rejoice Gogochuri. According to reports, the incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. when the canoe, which was conveying them and five other passengers, overturned at Aliya (Over Bridge), claiming both their lives while the other passengers were rescued alive.
The victims' elder brother, Abraham Gogochuri, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, June 28, 2026, disclosed that the siblings were returning from work when the tragedy struck. He explained that the canoe, which serves as a major means of transportation for residents, was in a deplorable condition and lacked basic safety measures. "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," Abraham lamented. He further revealed that the canoe had been leaking for a long time and that passengers had resorted to using wrappers to block some of the holes, a practice that highlights the dire state of water transportation in the area.
Abraham also blamed a construction company working in the area for the tragedy, accusing it of failing to provide safe boats and life jackets for residents who are forced to cross the river daily. He noted that a local wooden bridge, popularly known as a "monkey bridge," which previously served as a safer crossing, had collapsed and was never reconstructed, leaving the community with no option but to rely 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.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Agabe Blessing Karbolo, said the boat operator had been taken into custody for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation. "Yes, I can confirm the incident. Two persons died. The boat driver has been taken into custody, and an investigation is ongoing," Agabe said.
The tragedy has also drawn the attention of the paramount ruler of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation, His Imperial Majesty Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III (Akalaka XII). In a statement issued on Monday, the monarch expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of the two siblings, describing the incident as heartbreaking. He extended his 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 incident has reignited concerns over the safety of water transportation in Rivers State, where many communities depend on boats to cross rivers due to the absence of functional bridges and adequate road networks. Residents have called on the government and relevant authorities to urgently address the infrastructure deficit and enforce safety regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
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