Tambuwal, Shagari mourn victims of Sokoto boat accident, demand action

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A former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and the Chairman, Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mukhtar Shagari, have expressed grief over the boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed 41 lives.

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The incident occurred on Thursday when a boat carrying passengers capsized in the community.

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According to the National Inland Waterways Authority, 41 people lost their lives while 14 others were rescued following the accident.

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Reacting to the tragedy in a statement issued by his media office and posted on his verified X handle, Tambuwal described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and condoled with the bereaved families and the entire Gorau community.

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Reacting to the tragedy in a statement issued by his media office and posted on his verified X handle, Tambuwal described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and condoled with the bereaved families and the entire Gorau community.

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“I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred earlier today in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed the lives of 41 people, while 11 others were rescued,” Tambuwal said.

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The former Senator representing Sokoto South commended local residents, rescuers and emergency responders who participated in the search-and-rescue operation, describing their efforts as crucial in responding to the disaster.

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Tambuwal also called for an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mishap, stressing the need for stronger safety measures to prevent similar tragedies on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

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He urged relevant authorities to ensure that safety regulations governing boat operations are strictly enforced, particularly in communities where residents rely heavily on waterways for transportation.

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Similarly, Shagari, in a condolence statement signed by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, described the incident as a “painful and devastating tragedy,” saying the loss of innocent lives was deeply distressing to the people of Sokoto State and the affected families.

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He commiserated with the Sokoto State Government, Goronyo Local Government Council, traditional institutions, community leaders and families of the victims, urging them to take solace in the will of Almighty Allah.

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The NIWA board chairman also called for urgent measures to prevent further loss of lives on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

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He urged riverine communities and boat operators to exercise extreme caution, particularly by avoiding overloading, early-morning journeys during periods of high river tides and night operations where poor visibility could increase the risk of accidents.

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According to him, the recurring boat mishaps across the country should serve as a wake-up call to stakeholders to strengthen safety measures on the waterways.

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“The recurring loss of lives through avoidable boat mishaps must serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders to redouble efforts towards preventing further tragedies on the nation’s inland waterways,” Shagari said.

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He disclosed that NIWA was intensifying efforts to improve safety standards across the country’s waterways, including plans to phase out wooden boats as part of measures to strengthen navigation safety.

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Shagari also urged state governments to strengthen collaboration with NIWA offices in their respective states, saying improved cooperation, information sharing and coordinated enforcement would help reduce accidents.

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He stressed that the responsibility for protecting lives on the waterways rests on both government and citizens.

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“Boat operators must place human lives above profit and refrain from practices capable of putting passengers at unnecessary risk,” he said.

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Shagari further called on boat operators and riverine communities to support government efforts by complying with established safety regulations.

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He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families and the people of Gorau Village to bear the loss.

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He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and urged rescue teams to continue their search operations until every possible victim was accounted for.

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