The Federal Government has mourned the victims of the tragic boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which reportedly claimed the lives of 30 people.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, extended the government’s condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Niger State, yesterday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
“The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), will provide the necessary support to the victims’ families and survivors, working closely with the Niger State Government to ensure prompt relief and assistance,” he stated.
The minister commended the Niger State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), for its swift rescue operation, which ensured that all passengers of the ill-fated boat were accounted for.
He also urged passengers to always prioritise safety when travelling on our inland waterways.
“In particular, no one should embark on boat journeys without wearing appropriate protective jackets. Safety precautions can make the difference between life and death,” Idris stated.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to mount a massive nationwide sensitisation campaign to raise public awareness on safety measures when using inland waterways. The wooden boat, which was reportedly carrying 138 passengers, capsized along the Shagunu–Dunga axis on Kainji Lake.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has said 58 passengers have been rescued and over 30 dead in the recent boat mishap at Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Director General of (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed the Agency’s Minna Operations Office on site to intensify the ongoing rescue efforts.
According to a statement by NEMA spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel, witnesses at the scene of the incident revealed that about 90 persons were onboard the ill-fated vessel.
The boat mishap was caused by overloading.
The statement reads in part: “Witnesses at the scene of the incident revealed that about 90 persons were on-board the ill-fated vessel. So far, 58 passengers have been rescued, while over 30 lives have been lost as one additional body was recovered this afternoon.
“Several other passengers remain unaccounted for, with search and rescue efforts still ongoing.
“Initial investigations indicate that the mishap was caused by overloading of the vessel, compounded by a collision with a tree stump along the water channel”.
The Agency stated that the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is leading the rescue operation with other stakeholders that includes the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Local divers and community volunteers.
