Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the latest boat mishap in Niger State, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
The tragic incident involved no fewer than 200 passengers being thrown into the water, further underscoring the urgent need for safety measures on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
In a personally signed statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku lamented the frequency of such tragedies and called for the establishment of an Inland Waterways Guard to enhance safety and provide support for regions where waterways serve as key trade routes.
“These tragic incidents are becoming one too many,” Atiku said. “This particular incident, involving no fewer than 200 passengers, highlights the urgent need for the setting up of an Inland Waterways Guard to provide support in Niger State and other places where the waterways are important trade routes.”
The former vice president expressed his condolences to the government and people of Niger State and sympathized with the families of the victims.
“I regret to share my condolences with the Niger State government on this tragic incident, only two months after the last one,” he said. “I also sympathize with the bereaved families and pray that the souls of the departed find gentle repose.”
The latest mishap adds to a growing list of fatal accidents on Nigeria’s waterways, which are often attributed to overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, and lack of regulatory oversight.
Atiku’s call for an Inland Waterways Guard aligns with increasing public demand for improved safety measures and infrastructure along Nigeria’s inland trade routes.
As the nation mourns yet another tragedy, many are urging swift action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
