Adamawa gov’t identifies factors causing fatal boat accidents
In response to the recent surge in boat accidents resulting in the loss of 57 lives, the Adamawa State Government has taken steps to identify the factors contributing to these tragic incidents. The government is determined to address the concerns surrounding water transport management in the northeastern state.
The series of accidents began on September 4th when a canoe capsized between Mayo-Ine and Mayobelwa, resulting in the death of two passengers. Just four days later, another boat accident occurred on Njuwa Lake, where 15 people lost their lives. To compound matters, on Monday, a boat carrying numerous passengers was overturned by strong winds in Gurin, leading to an estimated 40 deaths.
In light of these unfortunate events, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Muhammad Amin Sulaiman, has identified several factors contributing to the accidents. These include overloading, disregard for bad weather conditions, and the non-usage of life jackets. The government is determined to enforce stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
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Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who recently visited Gurin to offer his condolences, has instructed all relevant agencies to implement and enforce safety regulations. These measures include the prohibition of overloading and the mandatory use of life jackets on the water. Governor Fintiri has also called upon traditional rulers and local government councils to support the administration in prioritizing safety and preventing further loss of lives due to negligence.
During his visit, Governor Fintiri emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over financial gain. He stated, “We should know life is better than money. We will provide life jackets at every point where people are transported, and traditional rulers should ensure that canoes are not overloaded. We will learn from the recent tragedies and put preventive measures in place to avoid further loss of life.”
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Local fisherman and boat driver, Danlami Adahnu, shared his perspective on the matter, attributing greed on the part of transporters as a significant factor contributing to these accidents. He stressed the importance of reducing the number of passengers during storms to prevent capsizing.
The Adamawa State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens during water transportation. By addressing the identified issues and implementing stricter safety measures, the government aims to prevent future tragedies and protect the lives of its people.
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