The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Friday described the boat mishap in Niger State, which claimed the lives of many passengers, as devastating.
Approximately 60 bodies have reportedly been recovered after the boat capsized on Tuesday night at the Gbajibo River in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The boat was said to be carrying over 300 passengers.
While expressing his sadness over the accident, the Speaker commiserated with the families of the deceased, as well as the people and government of Niger State.
He specifically extended his sympathies to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago regarding the tragic incident.
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Calling for safer water transportation across the country, Speaker Abbas urged maritime and inland waterway agencies to enforce safety standards.
Additionally, the Speaker lamented the natural disaster in Mokwa LGA, where over 300 communities have been flooded, displacing many from their homes and farms.
Speaker Abbas noted that the flooding has serious socio-economic implications for the people, the state, and the country as a whole.
He, therefore, called on all relevant emergency and humanitarian agencies to provide relief to the victims.
