Boat mishap: Kebbi Gov’t to review maritime laws
By Auwal Ilyasu, Birnin Kebbi
In an effort to protecting the lives and properties of marine passengers in Kebbi State, the state government has stated that will review the existing maritime laws in the state.
The State Governor, Sen. Atiku Bagudu disclosed that the move was to prevent the recurring cases of boat mishaps, which always result in the loss of lives and properties of passengers.
Bagudu explained that he has informed that, 75 dead bodies have so far been recovered, following last Wednesday’s boat mishap in Warrah. He added that no fewer than 22 victims had also been rescued alive.
Bagudu stated this during a condolence visit to the Palace of Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu and that of the District Head of Warrah, Sarkin Maginga, Alhaji Abdulmalik Nuhu, in Warrah, Ngaski Local Government in the aftermath to the unfortunate boat mishap.
The Governor further explained that 59 of the recovered dead victims were from Warrah town, even as he expressed hope that, more of the victims would be rescued alive.
The Governor noted that the disgusting incident has placed Warrah in the global news, for the past three days, adding that, the incident was unfortunate and saddening: “yet, it was ordained by the Almighty Allah.
“The incident drew myriad of sympathies and condolences from across the globe, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, NASS members, Governors, Traditional, religious and political leaders, among others”.
Bagudu also acknowledged and appreciated the flurry of search and rescue efforts by divers, private boat owners, governmental and non-governmental agencies.
While decrying the recurrence of such incidents, the Kebbi State Governor condoles with the families of the victims, as well as prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed victims, while he also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.
Bagudu called on people, especially boat users and passengers to learn from previous experiences and desist from acts capable of endangering their lives as well.
“In whatever we do, we must stick to rules, boat users should stick to specifications on the exact number of passengers to be carried by each boat. There should always be passengers manifest, even before boarding. The basic marine transport protocols should be observed,” Governor Bagudu warns.
While thanking the governor for the visit, the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu, recalled that in 2003, a similar boat accident occurred in the area which claimed the lives of 50 passengers.
According to the Emir, in order to safety and prevent future occurrence, there is need to dredge the river, so as to do away with tree logs in the river.
He expressed hoped that, the Hydro-Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) would play significant role in that direction, as well as ensure the provision of Safety Jackets or Life Jackets to all passengers.
While a special prayer was observed for the repose of the souls of the dead victims of the boat mishap.
Boat mishap: Kebbi Gov’t to review maritime laws