In the Anyiin area of River Benue, Taraba State, a boat capsizing event has claimed the lives of around twenty fisherman.
Less than two weeks had passed since a boat accident in the state’s Karim-Lamido Local Government Area left nearly 70 people dead.
According to Taraba State Water Transportation Chairman Jidda Suleiman, the boat carrying fisherman from Taraba’s Ibi and Wukari local government areas capsized between Benue’s Chinkai and Wukari’s Anyeci area.
According to reports, the fishermen were travelling to Kwara state in search of better prospects.
Suleiman stated, “It is unfortunate that the usual tradition turned sorrowful this time. I wish to appeal to both the state and federal government to assist us with life jackets, which is the only solution to averting similar incidents.”
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The governor described the incident as worrisome soon after the previous tragedy.
He pledged that the state government is actively working to investigate and address the root causes of boat mishaps in Taraba.
Governor Kefas emphasized, “Measures are in place to phase out old boats and introduce the compulsory use of life jackets, among other life-saving measures.
“The government is committed to ensuring the safety of water transport systems and preventing future occurrences of such heartbreaking incidents.”
