The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Usman, has expressed shock over frequent loss of lives occasioned by boat mishaps on River Kampe along Katcha and Ramba villages.
He noted with dismay that the recent mishap on River Kampe made it the second time in less than a month which claimed many lives.
The chairman, who sympathised with the Maiyaki of Kupa, Alhaji Mohammed Isah; and the families of the deceased, enjoined them to accept the incident as an act of God and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.
According to a press statement made available to The Graphic by the Information Officer of the local government area, Salisu Datti, the chairman advised boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure proper maintenance of their boats especially the engines.
He also advised them to wear life jackets while travelling on the river in case of any accident.
Alhaji Aliyu appealed to the state government to fashion out appropriate policies to checkmate the excesses of waterway users to avoid further loss of lives and property.
An eyewitness account given by Mallam Bochi Umar had it that the unfortunate incident was caused by technical problem while the wave of the river caused the boat to capsize.
He disclosed that most of the passengers who died were students of the University of Abuja and Kaduna Polytechnic who were on their way to Kupa for Sallah celebration, adding that seven out of about 35 passengers of the ill- fated boat survived.
Culled From The Graphic
