The recent flooding in Yola, Adamawa State, and the boat accident in Guni village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have left their families and communities condolences.
The President commended the bravery of the Adamawa and Niger State Emergency Management Agencies, local divers, volunteers, and community leaders assisting in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu warned people against actions that would only worsen the crisis while acknowledging that flooding is a global issue caused by climate change.
Tinubu argued that despite ongoing education campaigns by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), such incidents continue to occur.
The President urged people who rely on waterways for their livelihood to strictly adhere to safety regulations issued by competent bodies and pressuring influential people to increase their advocacy for waterway safety.
In the Niger boat accident, there were 13 dead and 26 people saved.
The National Emergency Response Centre and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) worked closely with Adamawa and the Niger State authorities to provide swift and comprehensive assistance in order to support the rescue and relief efforts.
According to NEMA’s confirmation on Sunday, the tragedy occurred over the weekend when flooding in parts of Yola town claimed five lives and injured 55 others.
A boat carrying 39 passengers capsized on Saturday near Guni village in Shiroro Local Government Area, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Eight women, three men, and two children were among the 13 people killed in the incident. The remaining 26 passengers were saved. All 13 bodies were recovered and buried according to Islamic customs, according to Malik Baba Suleiman, NSEMA’s deputy public relations officer.
Around 11:45 a.m., the boat capsized while it was heading for Zumba and was reportedly overloaded with passengers and goods.
Although investigations are ongoing, water turbulence and potential overloading are suspected causes.
Source: Channels TV
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