From Olanrewaju Lawal,Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has said that the state government would review the extant maritime laws to protect the lives, properties of marine passengers and avert reoccurrences of boat mishap in the state.
Bagudu stated this during his visit to Warrah town, Ngaski local government area of the state where about 100 travelled drown in a boat mishap and Emir of Yauri palace,Yauri where he commiserated with the people of the area.
Badudu disclosed that, 59 of the recovered dead victims were from Warrah town and expressed hope that, more of the victims would be rescued alive.
It was gathered that out of 76 dead bodies recovered, 59 of it were from Warrah town.
Bagudu said: ” the incident drew myriad of sympathies and condolences from across the globe, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, NASS members, Governors , Traditional, religious and political leaders, among others .
“In whatever we do, we must stick to rules, boat users should stick to specifications on the exact number of passengers to be carried by each boat.There should always be passengers manifest, even before boarding. The basic marine transport protocols should be observed.
‘ This is something we can do at least to guard against future occurrences, ‘ he said.
He urged people to accept the incident in good faith as it was from God and advised them not to be deterred from working hard to earn their legitimate livelihoods.
The Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, while thanking the Governor for the condolence visit, recalled that in 2003, a similar boat accident occurred in the area which claimed the lives of fifty passengers.
” What is needed, to safeguard against future occurrence, is the dredging of the river, to do away with tree logs in the river”,he said.