…Urges strict adherence to safety regulations
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
CHIEF Dr George Moghalu, Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed immense grief and concern over loss of lives and property from rampant cases of boat mishaps across riverine communities in the country.
Moghalu expressed his grief in a statement from his Media Center and made available to newsmen by the Corporate Affairs Manager of the Authority, Alhaji Jibril Dar’dau in Lokoja.
Reacting to the boat mishaps on Gurin River, a surburb of Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa State and another on a river in Gbajibo, Mokwa, Niger state Moghalu said the frequency was alarming.
Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the dead and the injured, the NIWA boss stated that the incidents were disheartening.
He said that the mishaps were moreso as some of the victims in Adamawa were reportedly going to carry out farming activities.
The Managing Director Commended the life-saving efforts of the first responders, local divers and Police marine at the scene of the incident.
Moghalu wished the wounded a speedy recovery and success on the search and rescue of missing passengers on the capsized boats.
The NIWA boss reiterated for the umpteenth time, his call on transporters to always ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways.
He underscored the need for the people in the riverine communities traveling by boats and canoes to use live jackets and avoid overcrowded boats.
Dr Moghalu prayed the Almighty God to comfort the grieving families and relations of the victims especially at these very difficult and trying times. (Ends)
