More than 20 people who were said to be fishermen on Monday lost their lives in a boat accident that occurred around Anyiin, River Benue, in Taraba State.
This sad incident is happening barely two weeks after over 70 souls perished when a boat capsized in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, condoled the families of the victims of the latest incident that happened between Chinkai in Benue and the Anyeci area of Wukari LGA in Taraba.
Kefas’ spokesperson, Emmanuel Bello, in a statement, quoted the governor as describing the incident as most worrisome since it is coming barely a few weeks after a similar incident that claimed over 70 lives.
According to the statement, Kefas prayed to God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.
The spokesman also stated that the Taraba government has already started working out modalities to put a permanent end to future occurrences of boat mishaps in the state.
“Today’s boat incident is even more unfortunate since it comes on the heels of a similar one in Karim Lamido that threw the state into mourning,” Bello quoted Kefas as saying.
“It is heartbreaking, however, I wish to appeal that the government is already on top of the situation as various investigations are underway to unravel the remote causes of boat mishaps in the state.
“I would soon personally tour the affected areas to meet with local stakeholders in the waterways transport sectors to ensure that the water transport system is safe for passengers.
“Measures are in place to face out old boats and introduce the compulsory use of life jackets, among other life-saving measures,” Governor Kefas mourned.
