More than 20 fishermen have lost their lives in a boat capsizing incident around Anyiin, in River Benue, Taraba State.
The incident occurred barely two weeks after a boat mishap claimed over 70 lives in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the same state.
Jidda Suleiman, the Taraba State Water Transportation Chairman, revealed that the boat, carrying fishermen from Ibi and Wukari local government areas of Taraba, capsized between Chinkai of Benue and the Anyeci area of Wukari.
The fishermen were reportedly on their way to Kwara state for better opportunities.
Suleiman stated, “It is unfortunate that the usual tradition turned sorrowful this time. I wish to appeal to both the state and federal government to assist us with life jackets, which is the only solution to averting similar incidents.”
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The governor described the incident as worrisome soon after the previous tragedy.
He pledged that the state government is actively working to investigate and address the root causes of boat mishaps in Taraba.
Governor Kefas emphasized, “Measures are in place to phase out old boats and introduce the compulsory use of life jackets, among other life-saving measures.
“The government is committed to ensuring the safety of water transport systems and preventing future occurrences of such heartbreaking incidents.”
