The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure safety measures in water transportation to avert incessant boat mishaps.
Bago gave this charge on Tuesday in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim following a recent boat mishap which occurred in Niger State that led to loss of lives.
“Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has sympathised with the Emirate and residents of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State over a boat mishap that led to loss of lives,” Ibrahim said.
“The Governor in a sympathy message described the incident as unfortunate and pathetic. According to him “I feel your pains and sorrow over the sad and unfortunate news. It is truly pathetic”.
“The Farmer Governor stressed that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must rise to their responsibilities to ensure that safety precautions in water transportation are observed in riverine communities to avert incessant boat mishaps.
“He noted that boat mishaps in recent times are becoming one too many in the State hence all hands must be on deck to reverse the ugly trend.”
Ibrahim added that while praying to Allah to repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured, the Farmer Governor also prayed to Allah to comfort the families of the victims, the Emir of Borgu Kingdom and the people of the Local government.
He also commended the efforts of the officials of the Local Government and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for quickly engaging in rescue operations in collaboration with local divers.
It was reported that a boat carrying 100 passengers and goods such as grains and sugar cane from Dugga in Kainji under the Borgu local government area of Niger State to Wara in Kebbi State, capsized in Tungan Leda around Shagunu Village in the same Borgu Council.
According to Ibrahim, while the rescue operation is still on, some dead bodies have been recovered and some survivors have been rescued.
