The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat mishap in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which reportedly claimed about 60 lives.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State, North-Central Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the swift rescue operations launched by the administration of Governor Umar Bago in response to the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost relatives to the tragedy. We wish those who survived but are in critical conditions safe recovery,” the Governor said in the statement on Friday.
He said; “As we again mourn the victims of this accident, we restate our concern at the rising incidents of boat mishaps whose causes include overcrowding, old boats, or night travel. These incidents are avoidable if everyone plays by the rule and respects the sanctity of the human life.”
The Forum similarly called for strict adherence to the use of life jackets during water travel, especially as the Nigerian and State Governments have repeatedly donated life jackets to save lives.
Lateefah Ibrahim