Governor Usman Ododo has sympathized with victims of the recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of some passengers who are indigenes of Kogi state.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) had on Friday confirmed that some traders who were on their way to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State were killed while others sustained injuries when the boat conveying them from Kogi state capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of the River Niger.
Governor Ododo who expressed sadness over the boat accident said he was particularly concerned that most of the victims were women, petty traders and artisans who are involved in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the economy of the state.
In a statement signed by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, on Friday, the Governor Governor noted that the waterway linking Kogi and Niger states was becoming increasingly dangerous as a result of frequent boat accidents and called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.
Governor Ododo who commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its efforts in search and rescue operation, called for concerted efforts through inter-agency collaboration to prevent cases of waterways accident and to enhance emergency response management.
He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and assured that the government will support those injured in their recuperations.
The Head of the Media Department of NIWA, Suleman Makama, who confirmed the incident said “there was a boat mishap on Thursday involving quite a number of women going to the market in Niger State. We are still investigating to ascertain the number of people involved as well as what led to the accident.”
According to eyewitnesses, the boat, which belonged to one Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, en route to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State.
As of the time of this report, eight bodies were said to have been recovered, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the remaining passengers.
