Boat mishaps wiping families, Niger district head cries out

The District Head of Gbajibo, Alhaji Mahmuda Ibrahim, has lamented that incessant boat mishaps in his domain have exterminated many families, with no one left in some homes. Ibrahim stated this when the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) paid a condolence visit to the community over the recent accident that claimed 44 lives. He said […]

The District Head of Gbajibo, Alhaji Mahmuda Ibrahim, has lamented that incessant boat mishaps in his domain have exterminated many families, with no one left in some homes.

Ibrahim stated this when the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) paid a condolence visit to the community over the recent accident that claimed 44 lives.

He said boat mishaps had become regular occurrences that have killed many men and women.

Speaking, the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, said night travels and overloading were banned and that any boat driver of passengers found without life jacket while traveling on water would be dealt with.

 The MD donated 300 life jackets to the community and promised that fibre ferry and ambulance boats would be provided to bring water transport accidents to the barest minimum.

 Oyebamiji warned that no boat should henceforth travel after 6pm, directing waterways marshals to ensure strict monitoring and compliance.