By Stella Edoka
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to develop and implement a comprehensive waterways safety framework following the tragic boat mishap that claimed 28 lives in Onugwa, Ibaji Local Government Area, on September 30th.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Speaker and Member representing Ibaji Constituency, Comfort Ojoma Egwaba, during plenary in Lokoja.
Mrs Egwaba described the incident, which occurred on the River Niger, as a matter of utmost urgency and grave concern, lamenting the loss of women, children, and traders who were on their way to Ilushi Market in Edo State for economic activities.
She explained that the ill-fated boat was carrying over 80 passengers, out of which 28 lost their lives, 44 were rescued, while several others remain missing.
The Deputy Speaker expressed concern over the recurring nature of such accidents in Ibaji and other riverine areas, attributing them to poor regulation, lack of safety measures, non-availability of life jackets, overloading, and the poor state of boats and jetties.
She commended local volunteers, community leaders, and emergency responders for their swift rescue efforts but emphasized the need for more coordinated and preventive measures.
The Deputy Speaker urged the state government, through the Ministries of Transport and Health, in collaboration with SEMA, HYPPADEC, and other relevant agencies, to provide immediate relief to the affected families.
She proposed that the waterways safety framework should include the provision of standard life jackets, regular inspection and registration of boat operators, strict enforcement of passenger limits and safety rules, rehabilitation of jetties, and the establishment of rapid response units for waterways safety.
The lawmaker also called on the House Committee on Transport to assess the state of water transport facilities in riverine communities and report back with actionable recommendations.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended the Deputy Speaker for her timely motion and assured that the Assembly would continue to support all initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of citizens across the State.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
About The Author
