Death Toll From Niger Boat Accident Hits 31

As the death toll of the boat mishap in Gausawa,  Malale ward in Niger State hits 3, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has said most of the incidents  in the state were caused by human factors.

He said from findings the mishaps were caused by human factors ,such as overloading and refusal to use life jackets.

While urging for strict adherence to all safety measures put in place in the state , he said the enforcement will be followed to the letter henceforth.

The governor in a statement through his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the boat mishap as devastating and heartbreaking, saying “ it is one too many”.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of boat mishaps in recent times in several communities in the state despite government efforts both at the federal, state, and local levels.

He however sympathised with the people of Borgu local government area over the boat mishap maintaining  that “the negative effects of boat mishaps could be minimised if the people, especially those who travel through waterways and the boat riders, adhere strictly to safety regulations”.

Bago said his  administration will ensure strict compliance with all the safety regulations of the waterways transportation, through regular monitoring and evaluation, warning  that violators would be sanctioned.

Meanwhile update given by the search and rescue operations revealed that the bodies of the two missing people were evacuated bringing the death toll to 31 while the rescued victims were recuperating.

It will be recalled that the State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, confirmed that 90 people were on board when the boat mishap occurred at Gausawa, Male , Borgu local government area of Niger State.