The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat accident that occurred on Sunday.
A wooden boat carrying around 70-80 passengers capsized while traveling on the River Benue. The incident happened as the boat was moving from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State to Nasarawa State.
The boat, powered by an outboard engine, was mainly carrying traders returning to their homes in Nasarawa State after visiting the Ocholonya Market in Agatu, Benue State. According to eyewitnesses, the accident was caused by excessive speed and overloading, which made the boat unstable.
In his statement, the Minister criticized the frequent occurrence of boat accidents in the country. He emphasized that this latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for boat operators and passengers to exercise greater caution.
He called for stricter safety rules and stressed the need for everyone, including states, local governments, and community leaders, to work together to improve safety on Nigerian waterways.
Oyetola also pointed out that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has clear safety regulations to prevent such accidents. These include the mandatory use of life jackets and avoiding overloading of boats.
He warned that anyone who disregards these rules and endangers lives should face fines or legal action as per the existing laws.
The Minister revealed that investigations showed the boat was operated by Mr. Abubakar Muhammed. It was on its way from the Ocholonya Market in Agatu to Odenyi when the unfortunate accident occurred. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies on the nation’s waterways.
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