Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sorrow over a recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of several passengers, many of whom were indigenes of Kogi State.
In a statement released on Friday,by Special Adviser on Media to the Governor Ismaila Isah said Governor Ododo lamented the tragic loss, particularly highlighting that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans engaged in legitimate businesses to support their families and contribute to the state’s economy.
He expressed concern over the increasing dangers of waterways connecting Kogi and Niger states, calling on relevant authorities to implement stringent safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with water transportation.
Governor Ododo commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its prompt search and rescue operations and emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration to enhance safety and emergency response management on waterways.
“We must work together to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said, urging a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of passengers traveling by water.
The governor extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assured the injured of the government’s support in their recovery journey.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed that the tragic incident occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger. The victims, traders en route to Katcha weekly market in Niger State, faced the unfortunate mishap when their boat capsized.
