Niger State to prosecute boat operators who fail to provide life jackets

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Niger State government has vowed to sanction and prosecute boat operators who fail to adhere to the usage of life jackets, following a recent boat mishap that claimed 13 lives in the state.

The state Commissioner for Transport Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta on a delegation to Guni in Munya Local Government area to condole with the families of the victims of boat mishap which occurred in Zumba revealed that 150 life jackets were provided to Guni boat operators before the incident, but passengers who lost their lives refused to use them.

She therefore appealed to traditional leaders and especially the association of boat operators to ensure its usage as government will not take it lightly with anyone caught disobeying the rule.

The Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mairo Mohammed Mann, conveyed the Governor’s condolences to the community, urging them to accept the tragic loss as a fate beyond human control.

They emphasized the importance of community leaders ensuring strict adherence to safety measures, including the use of life jackets and clearing undergrowth to prevent similar incidents in the future. Both officials assured the community of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving this goal.

In a gesture of support, each family of the 13 victims who lost their lives in the boat mishap received a consolation package consisting of N200,000, 50kg of rice, and 50kg of maize. Furthermore, 50 additional life jackets were donated to the local boat operators’ Association of Boat Operators to enhance safety measures.