BY CHUWANG DUNGS
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has described the boat mishap ferrying passengers from Ardo Kola to Karim Lamido as a monumental tragedy.
The Governor said this in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications Emmanuel Bello in Jalingo.
The state police spokesperson Abdullahi Usman on Monday confirmed that a boat conveying a large number of passengers returning from a fish market in the Mayoreneyo community of Ardo-Kola capsized in Binneri community of Karim Lamido midway through the Benue River on Saturday evening.
He said the authentic figure of the passengers and those so far rescued is awaited from the divisional police officer of the area.
DAYLIGHTREPORTER however gathered from a source in Karim Lamido, Jero Mathias, that so far about 20 dead bodies have been recovered.
Mr Kefas said no one needs to lose their lives in the course of their daily life. Kefas regretted the incident, stressing that a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the accident would be conducted.
He noted that his administration through the Ministry of water resources is dedicated to making Taraba water bodies productive and not an avenue for destruction of lives.
He said, “our bodies of water, which is one of the longest in the region, should be a veritable source of wealth and not death.
“We shall be investigating the cause of these occurrences. We shall enforce the use of life jackets and also insist on strict adherence to standards especially the boats and canoes plying these rivers.
“Reports said victims were traders heading home after sales. This is disheartening. This is why my government is looking at making road transportation accessible to all, especially with our efforts in massive road constructions.”
The governor revealed that he would be meeting with both state and local stakeholders in the water transport sectors to find new methods that will make boat capsize a thing of the past.
“Meanwhile, Gov Kefas would be meeting with local authorities, water transport workers and community leaders from Karim Lamido for further assessments of the situation.” He said.
