Follow Us on Google
From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations along water channels to provide adequate measures for the safety of the passengers plying water routes in the sub-region.
The Nigerian president also sought for close monitoring of boat operators along coastal lines in the sub-region.
President Buhari, who was represented by the Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State during a condolence visit to Niger’s Republic President, Muhammad Yusuf, in Niamey, Niger Republic capital, noted that there was need for enforcement of safety jackets along the waterways.
It would be recalled that about 100 traders from Gaya and Dosso in Niger Republic were travelling to Lolo market, Bagudo local government area of Kebbi state through River Niger when their boat sank and 53 people got missing while 46 were rescued.
Sunday Sun gathered in Niger Republic that after the incident, 82 traders were confirmed to be on board the boat, while 36 died,16 passengers were not seen and 46 were rescued.
While condoling President Yusuf and Nigeriens, President Buhari said the Nigerian government and Kebbi State people were touched and saddened about the incident saying, “I am calling on all ECOWAS countries in charge of safety of water transportation to ensure adequate measures to regulate over speeding and overloading by boat operators as well as enforce the use of safety jackets.”
President Buhari prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the victims mercy and their families fortitude to bear the loss.
In his reaction, President of Niger Republic, Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf, expressed his appreciation to President Buhari and the people of Nigeria over the incident.
Yusuf commended people in towns and villages along borders lane with his country stressed that they all did their best to rescue the victims.
