4 Die, 2 Missing In Nasarawa Boat Mishap

Four persons have lost their lives while two others are missing in a boat accident that occurred on River Alogani in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa State.

The boat loaded with passengers and goods was heading to nearby Ashangwa community on market day when it capsized, killing four passengers.

It was learnt that 25 passengers, eight motorcycles and four bags of melon were on board of the boat when it capsised.

Out of the 25 persons on board, 19 were rescued alive while two others are still missing.

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Our correspondent learnt that the deceased include three male and a female.

Overseer of Lafia East Development Area, Barrister Haruna Muhammed, who confirmed the incident, sympathised with the community and affected families over the incident.
He said the development area’s management has instituted an investigation to ascertain the immediate cause of the incident.

Muhammed equally said the authority and the community leadership have also engaged the services of divers to search for the two missing traders and recover the goods and property lost during the accident.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has passed into second reading, a bill for a law for the establishment of inland waterways regulatory agency in the state.

The bill which was sponsored by member representing Akwanga South constituency, Larry Ven Bawa, is aimed at regulating the carriage of persons and goods across all waterways in the state.

It is also expected to boost the socio-economic activities in riverine communities, create jobs and stem the rising incidences of accidents on waterways.