Zamfara State governor Dauda Lawal, has visited families of victims of boat mishap in which the lives of about 40 people were lost last Sunday at Uban Dawaki community in Gummi local government area. He donated N20 million to the victims’ families.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Malam Mani Mummini, was received by the emir of Gummi, HRH Justice Lawal Hassan in his palace. He announced the donation during the sympathy visit.
He said the government was shocked when the news broke and stated that the incident was tragic and monumental.
He said the gesture was to alleviate the hardship encountered by the victims’ families, adding that Governor Dauda Lawal directed that the amount be given to the affected families.
He further stated that the government would make all necessary efforts to ensure that such things never occur again, not only in Gummi but in the state as a whole.
According to him, in order to prevent further occurrence of such incidents, the government will, in collaboration with experts, sensitise the boat operators as well as the users on prevention and safety measures.
He also said the government would collaborate with the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to provide lifejackets in all the water transport stations in the state.
In his remarks, the emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, appreciated the state government for its gesture and said the introduction of lifejackets for both passengers and boat operators is a welcome development.
