By John Ogunsemore
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the government to prioritise investment in water transportation safety infrastructure, monitoring, and public awareness to prevent future cases of boat mishaps.
Atiku made the call in a statement on Thursday after a boat accident in Gausawa community, Malale Ward of Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, reportedly claimed 29 lives.
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The boat, which was carrying about 90 passengers including women and children, collided with a tree stump, with overloading cited as a possible cause of the mishap.
The 2023 presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condoled with the families of the victims, the Gausawa community, and the government and people of Niger State over the incident.
Atiku said the incident was a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety on the nation’s waterways.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the recurring risks associated with water transportation in our riverine communities.
“Boat travel has become an indispensable means of transportation for many Nigerians. It is, therefore, crucial that the right infrastructure and safety protocols are put in place.
“Overloading must be discouraged, capacities strictly adhered to, and the provision of life jackets made compulsory.
“The cost of safety is far cheaper than the cost of lives cut short in preventable tragedies,” he said.
He added, “This incident must serve as a wake-up call to authorities to prioritise investment in water transportation safety infrastructure, monitoring, and public awareness so that such heartbreaking occurrences become a thing of the past.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost loved ones.
“My deepest condolences to the people and government of Niger State and the local authorities.”
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