The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, has expressed deep sorrow over the boat accident in Niger State that has claimed nearly 60 lives.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Usman described the tragedy as “one too many,” lamenting the alarming frequency of boat mishaps across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the tragic news of the recent boat mishap in Niger State, where initial reports put the death toll at about 29, but has now, regrettably, risen to nearly 60 lives lost,” she said. “This is one tragedy too many, and the frequency with which we record such mishaps on our inland waterways should be a matter of grave concern to all Nigerians.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the accident occurred at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Reports indicated that the ill-fated boat, carrying about 90 passengers, had departed Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward, Borgu LGA, en route to Dugga for a condolence visit when disaster struck.
“It is deeply unfortunate and heart-wrenching that people on a journey to sympathize with others became victims of a calamity themselves,” Usman said.
She urged authorities to urgently enact stronger legislations and enforce stricter regulations governing inland water transport. According to her, recurrent boat accidents, particularly in Niger State, have reached a crisis point that demands “immediate and decisive action.”
On behalf of the Labour Party, Usman extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
“On behalf of the entire Labour Party family, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of Niger State, and indeed all Nigerians, on this national tragedy,” she added.