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From Steve Agbota, Minna
The Niger State government yesterday vowed to commence sanctioning and prosecuting boat operators who refused to adhere to the usage of life jackets, which are responsible for recurring water accidents.
The Commissioner of Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, who led a high delegation to Guni in Munya Local Government area to condole with the families of the victims of the boat mishap which occurred in Zumba, made this known during the visit.
The Commissioner revealed that her ministry provided 150 life jackets to Guni boat operators before the incident and expressed her dismay why the passengers who lost their lives in the mishap refused to use them.
She appealed to traditional leaders and especially the association of boat operators to ensure its usage, as the government will not take it lightly with anyone caught disobeying the rule.
In their separate condolence messages on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mairo Mohammed Mann, urged members of the community to accept the irreparable loss as a destiny.
Mann stressed the need for the community leaders to ensure proper supervision of passengers wearing life jackets and the removal of undergrowth to prevent future occurrences.
The duo assured of Umaru Mohammed Bago’s commitment to saving lives and properties of the people, but called for collaboration from all stakeholders in achieving that objective.
The families of the 13 people who lost their lives in the mishap received N200,000, 50kg of rice and maize each, while 50 additional life jackets were also given to the association of boat operators in the area.
