Taraba boat mishap: Rescuers search for missing woman, children

Rescuers have continued the search for a  missing woman and two children, following a boat mishap that occurred yesterday, in  River Benue in Ibi Local Council of Taraba State.

The Guardian learnt that the accident occurred as a result of engine failure.

Several persons from the riverine community,  who spoke on the sad incident, said all the passengers would have all been rescued if government had provided life jackets for travellers using the water.

Confirming the accident,  chairman of Ibi council, Bala Bako, said the boat was loaded with passengers going for the Sarkin Kudu market when it capsized.

Blaming engine failure for the accident, he said: “The boat engine suddenly went off at the time of taking off from the coast. When the operators tried to start the engine, the boat suddenly hit a building at the bank and broke into pieces.

“Apart from the woman and the two children that had not been rescued, every other person on board had been rescued.”

To prevent reoccurrence, the council boss promised to provide life jackets for every boat to safeguard lives of passengers.

Apart from the life jackets, Bako mandated that operators must ensure that passengers’ manifest is collected to determine the number and addresses of people crossing the river.

Some of the rescued persons who spoke with The Guardian, pleaded with the government to do the needful to prevent future accidents in the state.

One of the survivors, identified as Adamu, said they cannot run their businesses without travelling through the river.