President Bola Tinubu has offered his condolences while ordering a thorough investigation into the recent boat mishap that claimed several lives in parts of Niger and Adamawa state, News About Nigeria reports.
In response to the recent tragic accidents, Tinubu called for a comprehensive investigation into the recurring issue of fatal boat incidents across the country.
In his condolence message to the affected families and communities, Tinubu emphasized the need to understand the root causes of the unfortunate incident.
The boat accidents in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, reportedly, claimed no fewer than 30 lives, while that of Gurin village, Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, claimed the lives of 11 people.
His spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the president’s heartfelt condolences and his commitment to supporting those affected and ensuring the prevention of future tragedies.
President Tinubu has directed various government agencies, including law enforcement agencies, maritime safety agencies, and transportation safety authorities, to collaborate closely in identifying the underlying causes of these preventable disasters.
He stressed his commitment to holding government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and called for a thorough review of safety measures and the strict enforcement of existing laws related to boating activities in Nigeria.
The President assured the affected families and communities of the government’s continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
This move comes in the wake of concerning statistics that reveal boat accidents, often caused by head-on collisions, speeding, and overloading, have claimed over 3,133 lives in the last 10 years.
States like Niger, Rivers and Bayelsa have been reported as the worst hit, witnessing the highest number of these accidents, with significant loss of lives.