By Fawaz Adebisi
The tragic boat accident along the Mayo-Renewo-Karim Lamido Waterway in River Benue on October 28 has left at least 20 lives lost.
Taraba State Commissioner for Special Duties and Social Development, Saviour Noku, confirmed the grim toll during a condolence visit to the families of the victims in the Binneri community of the Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
In response to this devastating incident, the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, expressed deep sorrow and announced an immediate ban on night journeys via waterways across the state.
The aim is to prevent any recurrence of such tragedies.
The cause of the accident was attributed to barricades set up by fishermen along the waterways.
To prevent further mishaps, the deputy governor issued a directive for the removal of all barricades within seven days.
Alkali emphasized the importance of safety measures, stating that lifejackets must be worn by all passengers before boarding boats.
Additionally, a passenger manifest will now be mandatory for all boat trips.
The incident involved a boat carrying 104 passengers, primarily women and children, which capsized while returning from the Mayo-Renewo fish market in Ardo-Kola Local Government to Binneri in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state.
