Boat mishaps becoming too many in Niger, says Bago

Umaru Bago, governor of Niger state, has sympathised with families of the victims of the boat accident that occured in the state. 

The boat mishap occured on Monday afternoon at Borgu LGA of the state.

The boat was conveying 100 passengers and goods from Dugga in Kainji to Wara in Kebbi state when it capsized.

ln a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, his chief press secretary, Bago described the incident as “unfortunate and pathetic”.

“I feel your pains and sorrow over the sad and unfortunate news. It is truly pathetic,” he said.

He prayed to Allah to repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured, and also to comfort the families of the victims.

He commended the efforts of the officials of the LG and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for quickly engaging in rescue operations.

He said relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) must rise to their responsibilities to ensure that safety precautions in water transportation are observed in riverine communities to avert incessant boat mishaps.

He noted that boat mishaps in recent times are becoming one too many in the state, hence, all hands must be on deck to reverse the ugly trend.

Eight bodies have been recovered and twelve people rescued, while many are still missing.

The rescue operation is still ongoing.