President Bola Tinubu has called for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring cases of fatal boat incidents across the nation.
The president, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said government agencies would be held accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses.
Last Friday, a boat conveying people to their farms in Njuwa Lake capsized and killed about 15 persons.
In a similar occurrence, 26 bodies were recovered while 44 are still missing after a boat capsized in a river between the Jebba and Kainji dams in Mokwa Local Government of Niger on Sunday.
In another incident on Monday, another boat capsized in a river in the Gurin area of Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa with many people on board.
The statement quoted President Tinubu to have urged that comprehensive safety measures and enforcement be carried out on boating activities in the country.
Tinubu also directed various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to collaborate in identifying the causes of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.
The president extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger and Gurin village, in Fufore LGA of Adamawa.
He expressed solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa as they mobilised emergency response teams and volunteers to provide assistance to victims of the incidents.
Tinubu wished those injured in the incidents a speedy recovery, assuring the affected families and communities of government’s continued support in this trying period.
