The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu, has expressed immense grief over Adamawa and Niger States’ boats mishaps that left several persons dead on Friday and Sunday.Moghalu, in a statement issued in Lokoja on Tuesday, described the two incidents as “very unfortunate” and “saddened”, considering the precious lives lost.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Lokoja that while 15 persons died in the capsized boat carrying 23 people in Njuwa Lake in Yola South Local Government of Adamawa, reportedly killed 15 people, while 26 died and 44 persons are still missing in a river in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger.
The Adamawa accident reportedly occurred in the afternoon of Friday (Sept. 8) when the victims were travelling to Yola town.
The boat mishap in Niger sadly occurred at about 8 a.m. of Sunday (Sept. 10) between the Jabba and Kainji dams.
The managing diredctor said, “no doubt what happened at Gurin River, a surburb of Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa State, as well as at a river in Gbajibo, Mokwa, of Niger state was very unfortunate and saddened”.
“On behalf of management and Staff of NIWA, I am extending our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the dead and the injured.
“The incidents are more disheartening as some of the victims on board were reportedly heading to their farms for farming activities.
“I hereby wish to commend the life-saving work of the first rescuers, local divers and police marine at the scenes of the two incidences.”
Moghalu prayed for the wounded for a speedy recovery and success on the search and rescue of some missing passengers on the capsized boats.
The NIWA boss, however, reiterated call on transporters to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways to avert such unwanted losses, pains and sorrow.
He emphasised on the need for the people in the riverine communities traveling by boats and canoes to use live jackets and avoid overcrowded boats to stay alive.
Besides, he advised against using old or rickety boats and night travels to prevent such mishaps.
The NIWA boss, however, prayed the Almighty God to comfort the grieving relations of the dead at this very difficult time. (NAN)
