Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara state, has announced a donation of N20 million to families of victims of the boat accident that occurred in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
Recall that at least forty-one persons were reported dead after a boat conveying over 50 passengers capsized shortly after leaving the shore in Saturday in Gummi LGA of the state.
Twelve passengers were rescued alive, while the remaining 41 drowned.
Zamfara’s deputy governor, Mani Mummuni, spoke on Tuesday during a sympathy visit to Lawal Hassan, emir of Gummi, and families of the victims.
He stated that the donation is aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by the victims’ families.
Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara was represented by his deputy, while assuring that the state government is committed to preventing similar incidents.
The deputy governor noted that they will partner with the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to equip all water transport stations with lifejackets.
“Experts will also be deployed to sensitize operators as well as the users on prevention and safety measures,” Mummuni said.
“The use of lifejackets would be made compulsory for every passenger and operators.
“Violators of this measures would be sanctioned accordingly.”
On his part, the emir appreciated the state government’s timely gesture, adding that enforcing lifejacket use is critical and non-compliers must face consequences.
The emir said 13 bodies had been recovered and 7 people involved in the accident were rescued, adding that the actual number involved was 20, not 40, as initially reported.
It should be recalled also that President Bola Tinubu pledged support for the bereaved families.
