Boat Tragedies: Kogi Governor Urges Stricter Safety Measures on Waterways

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to implement stricter safety measures to prevent recurring boat accidents that continue to claim lives in Kogi and Niger States.

In a statement issued by Dr. Ismail Isah, his Special Adviser on Media, the governor expressed deep sadness over a recent boat mishap in the Dembo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger. The accident, which primarily affected women engaged in trading and other economic activities, resulted in multiple fatalities.

Governor Ododo highlighted that most of the victims were petty traders and artisans striving to make a living.

The statement further noted that NIWA confirmed the tragedy involved traders travelling to the Katcha market in Niger State. While some passengers lost their lives, others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

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Governor Ododo sympathised with the victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased and the fast recovery of those who sustained injuries.

The Kogi Governor said that the waterway linking Kogi and Niger State was becoming increasingly dangerous as a result of frequent boat accidents and stressed the need for more safety measures to minimise risks associated with water transportation in the country.

He commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its efforts in search and rescue operations.

The state governor called for more efforts by adopting inter-agency collaboration to prevent cases of waterways accidents that would enhance emergency responses in the areas.