Admin l Saturday, October 02, 2021
OKRIKA, Rivers, Nigeria – Scores of voyagers are currently missing following sudden collapse of a landing jetty in Isaka Community, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
We gathered that the jetty collapsed as over 70 travelers moved into the jetty to board a boat that would take them to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Saturday evening.
They were said to be returning from a burial ceremony in Isaka Community. An eye witness said the jetty collapsed following the massive weight on the deck as many struggle to catch a speed boat to Port Harcourt.
A resident, Isaac Walter said most of those who fell into the surrounding creek could not be accounted for but that local divers were still searching for them.
“Today we had burial programme at Isaka and a lot of people were in attendance. On our way back people came to board vessel at the jetty.
“In that process, the jetty caved in and so many people fell into the river and they were not able to be rescued. Few of them were rescued easily. I was standing a bit away from the point that caved in.
“The jetty is an old jetty. It was during Komo’s period (as military administrator of the state) that they inaugurated that jetty. We have tried to get another jetty but we could not.
“The people came on it, pressure was on the jetty and then it caved in. The people on the jetty at moment were more than 70. Local divers are still combing the area to find survivors. Though some were rescued”, he said.
