A serene Saturday in Garbi town, Yobe State, turned into a scene of heartbreak when a boat tragedy claimed 29 lives and left several passengers injured.
The incident, which took place in Nguru Local Government Area, has shaken families and the entire community, highlighting the dangers that still persist on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaker of the House Expresses Sorrow
Reacting to the catastrophe, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, conveyed deep sadness over the loss.
Through a statement shared by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected and the people and government of Yobe State.
He described the accident as a painful blow not only for the local communities but for the nation as a whole.
“This tragic incident has left us all grieving, depriving families of their loved ones and communities of valuable members,” the statement read.
Abbas prayed for the souls of those lost, wished quick recovery for the injured, and implored that the survivors find strength in this difficult time.
A Recurring National Concern
The Speaker’s remarks come amid a troubling pattern of boat accidents across Nigeria, particularly in riverine and lakeside communities where water transport is essential.
States like Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Bayelsa, and Lagos have all experienced similar fatal accidents in recent years.
Investigations into these tragedies often point to causes such as overloading, poorly maintained vessels, night travel, absence of life jackets, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
Despite repeated warnings and appeals by government agencies for compliance with maritime safety rules, such accidents continue to threaten lives, especially in rural areas where alternatives to water transport are limited.
Call for Stricter Safety Measures
Speaker Abbas emphasized the urgent need for stronger safety regulations and stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
He urged collaboration between authorities and local communities to improve safety standards on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Abbas stressed that preventable accidents like this must no longer continue to take innocent lives.
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