By Mercy Aikoye
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed deep sadness over the devastating boat mishap in Niger State, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives. On Tuesday night, a boat carrying over 300 passengers capsized on the Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area, with approximately 60 bodies recovered.
Abbas described the incident as devastating and commiserated with the families of the deceased, the people of Niger State, and the state government. He specifically sympathized with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, offering condolences for the tragic loss.
The Speaker emphasized the need for safer water transportation across the country, urging maritime and inland waterways agencies to enforce stringent safety standards. This tragedy highlights the importance of prioritizing passenger safety and preventing such incidents in the future.
In addition to the boat mishap, Abbas also addressed the severe flooding in Mokwa LGA, where over 300 communities have been affected, displacing residents and destroying farms. The Speaker acknowledged the significant socio-economic impact of this natural disaster on the people, state, and nation.
Abbas called for swift and coordinated relief efforts from relevant emergency and humanitarian agencies to support the affected communities. Timely intervention is crucial to mitigate the suffering and provide essential aid to those affected.
The Speaker’s statements demonstrate his commitment to advocating for improved safety measures and emergency response strategies, ensuring that such tragedies are addressed effectively and compassionately.
