The manager of a ferry that capsised on Monday in Lagos has been arrested for alleged negligence and failure to comply with safety regulations.
In a statement on Tuesday, Lagos area manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Sarat Braimah said the ferry manager was apprehended following investigation.
“The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedence for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences.
“Further legal actions are underway as investigations continue,” she said.
Braimah further said that the ferry manager must produce the captain of the boat.
Explaining how the boat capsised at Imore in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, she said the fiber boat veered off its channel and collided with a wooden boat due to obstructed vision of the captain.
Braimah said that the obstruction was largely due to loads on the fiber boat.
She added that the boat owned by Only God Ferry failed to adhere to operational safety standards and proper navigation procedures.
According to the official, two passengers are still missing, five rescued with injuries and others rescued unhurt.
But Lagos police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin earlier said 21 persons were missing.
