Sunday, September 6, 2026

Ten feared dead, others missing as jetty collapses near Port Harcourt

People of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area said they had complained about the jetty’s dangerous and deteriorating condition to Governor Nyesom Wike for months.

• October 3, 2021
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike [Photo credit: BBC]

A jetty with dozens of people on the queue collapsed near Port Harcourt on Saturday, leaving at least 20 commuters feared dead and 10 others missing.

People of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area said they had complained about the jetty’s dangerous and deteriorating condition to Governor Nyesom Wike for months, but needed support did not come in until it collapsed and inflicted damages to lives and assets.

A photo of the jetty before collapse taken on the 22 of May 2021
A photo of the jetty before collapse was taken on May 28, 2021 [Photo credit: ELFREDAH KEVIN-ALERECHI]

Isaka, a fishing community in a maze of creeks about five kilometres from Port Harcourt, is only accessible by water. Video taken shortly after the accident showed a massive concrete that caved in and emptied dozens of people into the water. The jetty was overfilled with commuters who were in town for a burial, witnesses said.

Local divers also attempted to rescue victims, but there were fears many had drowned for too long to be rescued. No medical and other emergency services were immediately available at the scene.

Sample Aaron, a community leader, lamented the development by telephone to The Gazette, as well as a local boat driver.

It was yet unclear how many people were killed and rescue efforts were underway as of Sunday morning, locals said. A spokesman for the police did not immediately return a request seeking comments.

The mishap came weeks after a boat submerged in the River Niger, killing dozens between Kebbi and Niger, central Nigeria. Officials said an investigation was being conducted into the accident.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa

APC, Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party youths inaugurate joint tree-planting campaign

The initiative is part of the second round of the “Plant African Fraternity” aimed at deepening pan-African youth solidarity and promoting environmental sustainability.

Federal Road Safety Corps

States

Three killed, 20 injured in Osun road crash: FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says three people lost their lives, while 20 others were injured in an accident in Tonkere, Osun State.

Heading 2

EPL: Aston Villa extend goalless run after 0-0 draw with Hull City

Villa missed goal-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game, with chances from Nicolas Jackson, Ross Barkley and George Hemmings.

Heading 5

Rights activists, labour leaders seek security, living wage reforms

Rights activists, labour leaders and civil society organisations called for urgent reforms to address insecurity and economic hardship.

Idi Maiha

Heading 3

FG rebranding livestock sector to attract youths: Maiha

“Now, the agriculture sector is beckoning the youths. We are rebranding the sector,” the minister said.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

States

Gov Makinde cautions traditional rulers against partisan politics

Mr Makinde advised traditional rulers to steer clear of politics and embrace all political actors without bias.