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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic boat accident that occurred last weekend on River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Alia, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, stated, “It is sad that this incident has brought immense sorrow to our communities, and I share in your grief during this difficult time.”
He also sympathised with those who sustained varying degrees of injury from the mishap, stating that his administration is committed to ensuring they receive the necessary medical treatment and support.
He said, “Your well-being is our priority, and we will work diligently to provide the care you need for a swift recovery.”
The Governor also expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for their swift show of solidarity and support during the tragedy as soon as they received the information.
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He said, “Your compassion and partnership are invaluable to us, and together we can navigate these challenging times.”
Alia assured the public that, in light of this unfortunate incident, he will liaise with the Nigerian Navy to implement measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. “We must prioritise the safety of our waterways to protect our citizens,” he stated.
He further declared that he will provide life jackets at all crossing points in the state as an immediate step, adding that the initiative is crucial to reducing casualties to zero in the event of mishaps.
While urging union leaders in the maritime business in the state and community officials to commence sensitisation efforts among their members on the critical need for the use of life jackets, the Governor also stated that it is imperative to understand the importance of safety measures while traversing our rivers.
He prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives and called on the state to honour the memory of the deceased by committing to safety and vigilance on our waterways, saying, “Together, we can foster a culture of safety and awareness that will help protect our people.”
