Boat accident: Kebbi government to review existing maritime laws

Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State said his administration will review existing maritime laws to prevent further loss of life and property. Bagudu made this known in a statement issued by his special media adviser, Malam Yahaya Sarki, a copy of which was made available to the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said the governor revealed this during a condolence visit to Yauri’s Emir, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu, on Friday after the unfortunate boating accident that involved a canoe believed to have been overloaded with more than 160 passengers.

Bagudu explained that the review was necessary in the face of recurring cases of boat accidents, resulting in the loss of lives and property of innocent passengers in the state.

“The governor has been informed that 76 bodies have been found so far, following the boat accident in Warrah on Wednesday. “No less than 22 victims have also been rescued alive to date,” the statement added.

He said 59 of the deceased victims found were from the town of Warrah, expressing hope that more victims would be rescued alive. “The incident was unfortunate and sad, yet it was ordered by Almighty Allah.

“The incident has drawn a myriad of sympathies and condolences from around the world, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the Senate, NASS members, governors, traditional, religious and political leaders, among others. “Bagudu also recognized and appreciated the flurry of search and rescue efforts by divers, private boat owners, government and non-government agencies.

“The Governor expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the rest of the souls of the missing victims, while also praying for the speedy recovery of the injured victims.

“Bagudu called on people, especially boat users and passengers, to learn from previous experiences and refrain from actions that could endanger their lives. “In everything we do we have to stick to the rules, boat users have to stick to specifications for the exact number of passengers to be carried by each boat.

“There should always be a passenger manifest, even before boarding. The basic protocols of maritime transport must be respected.

“This is something we can at least do to guard against future events. “

He urged people to accept the incident in good faith as it came from God and advised them not to be dissuaded from working hard to earn their rightful living,” the statement read in part. In response, Zayyanu thanked the governor for his concern and called for an urgent river lees to prevent this from happening again.

He recalled that in 2003, a similar boat accident was recorded in the region and claimed the lives of 50 passengers.

“What is needed, now according to the Emir as a guarantee against a future event, was the dredging of the river, to remove the logs in the river. “We hoped that the Hydropower Production Zones Development Commission (HYPPADEC) will play an important role in this direction, and ensure the provision of safety vests or life jackets to all passengers,” urged the traditional leader.

National Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Special Advisor Alhaji Sani Dododo announced a donation of 11 million naira on behalf of the state government to the families of the deceased, injured and those who participated to the search and rescue operation. (NOPE)

(NAN)