The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in a boat accident that occurred in Niger State on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that approximately 60 bodies have been recovered after the boat, carrying over 300 passengers, capsized on Tuesday night in the Gbajibo River, situated within the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement released on Friday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker conveyed his deep sorrow over the tragic accident. He extended his sympathies not only to the grieving families but also to the people and government of Niger State. He specifically offered words of comfort to Governor Mohammed Bago, expressing solidarity in the wake of such a devastating loss.
Abbas also took the opportunity to advocate for improved safety measures in water transportation across the country. He urged the relevant maritime and inland waterways authorities to strictly enforce safety regulations to prevent future occurrences of such tragic incidents.
In addition to addressing the boat accident, the Speaker voiced concern over the flooding in Mokwa LGA, which has submerged over 300 communities, leaving many displaced from their homes and farmlands. Abbas noted the far-reaching socio-economic consequences of the flood for the people of Niger State and the nation at large. He called on all relevant emergency and humanitarian agencies to intensify their efforts in providing relief materials to the affected individuals, in order to ease their suffering and help them rebuild their lives.
