The Taraba State Commissioner for Special Duties and Social Development, Saviour Noku, confirmed that 20 bodies were recovered from a boat accident on the Mayo-Renewo-Karim Lamido Waterway in River Benue on October 28.
According to The PUNCH,Noku shared this information during a visit to the Binneri community in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area to offer condolences to the victims’ families.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a government ban on night journeys on waterways throughout the state to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
He attributed the accident to barricades set up by fishermen in their fishing efforts and instructed that all such barricades be removed within seven days.
“This sad development is unacceptable. This incident we were told was caused by barricades on the waterways by fishermen.
“Government has, therefore, banned all night journeys on the waterways, and all the barricades on the waterways must be cleared within seven days.
“In addition, all passengers must put on lifejackets before boarding boats in the state. And henceforth, manifest of passengers onboard boats must be taken before setting out,” he said.
