Taraba Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas mourned the loss of over 20 lives in a boat accident in Ibi LGA, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
The governor, as quoted by Mr. Emmanuel Bello, Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, expressed serious concern over the incident, deeming it worrisome. The timing is particularly distressing, occurring just a week after a similar incident in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
According to the statement, Kefas, in his prayers for the departed, conveyed that the state government is actively working on strategies to eliminate future boat mishaps in Taraba.
‘Today’s boat incident is even more unfortunate since it is coming on the heels of a similar one in Karim Lamido that threw the state into mourning.’
‘It is indeed heartbreaking. However, I wish to appeal that the government is already on top of the situation as various investigations are underway to unravel the remote causes of boat mishaps in the state.’
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‘I would soon personally tour the affected areas to meet with local stakeholders in the waterways transport sectors to ensure that the water transport system is safe for passengers.’
‘Measures are in place to face out old boats and introduce the compulsory use of life jackets among other life-saving measures,’ the statement quoted Governor Kefas as saying.
According to a report published by Africa Today News, New York, at least 20 fishermen drowned when their boat capsized on the Benue River near Anyiin, Taraba State, Nigeria. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
Taraba State Water Transportation chairman Alhaji Jidda Suleiman informed journalists that the boat accident occurred between Chinkai, Benue state and Anyeci, Wukari local government area, Taraba state.
‘The boat was conveying fishermen, comprising people from Ibi and Wukari local government areas of Taraba. I was informed that the fishermen converged and boarded the boat for a fish expedition, and along the way, they had an accident, and over 20 people died.’
From the total number of casualties, no fewer than 12 were identified as Ibi residents, and the rest were from Gareji in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
‘It has been a tradition that some fishermen from Taraba around this period every year to travel to Cameroon, Chad, and other places like that to fish till August of the following year.’
‘It is unfortunate that the usual tradition turned to be sorrowful this time. I wish to appeal to both the state and Federal Government to assist us with life jackets, which is the only solution to averting similar incidents,’ he appealed.