The House of Representatives has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to urgently provide relief materials and necessary support to families affected by the recent boat mishap in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled “The Recent Boat Mishap in Nafada River That Claimed the Lives of Five Persons in Nafada LGA, Gombe State,” sponsored by Mr. Abdullahi El-Rasheed during plenary.
Leading the debate, Mr. El-Rasheed described the incident as tragic, noting that the mishap, which occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, claimed the lives of five persons, four young girls and a boy aged between 15 and 18 years.
He said; “the victims were promising youths with aspirations to contribute positively to their communities and the nation, adding that their untimely deaths had thrown their families and the entire Nafada community into mourning.”
The lawmaker expressed concern that boat mishaps across Nigeria’s waterways have become a recurring tragedy, raising fears about the safety of water transportation, especially in rural and riverine areas.
Mr. El-Rasheed urged relevant government agencies to strengthen regulatory oversight and enforce strict compliance with maritime safety standards to prevent further loss of lives.
The House, thereafter, condoled with the families of the deceased and the people of Nafada Local Government Area and Gombe State at large.
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