The boat accident in Taraba State.
In response to a recent boat accident in Binneri community of Karim-Lamido local government council, the Taraba State government has implemented a prohibition on all nighttime waterway journeys throughout the state.
This decision comes after a tragic incident on October 28, where a boat carrying 104 passengers, primarily women and children, capsized in River Benue while returning from the Mayo-Renewo fish market in Ardo-Kola Local Government to Binneri in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state.
Offering his condolences to the families of the victims and the community, the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, expressed his deep sorrow regarding the incident and declared a government prohibition on nighttime travel via water routes throughout the state to prevent a repeat of such tragedies.
Attributing the incident to obstacles placed in the waterways by fishermen attempting to catch fish, the deputy governor issued a directive that all these barriers in the waterways must be removed within a seven-day period.
“This sad development is unacceptable. This incident we were told was caused by barricades on the waterways by fishermen.
“Government has, therefore, banned all night journeys on the waterways, and all the barricades on the waterways must be cleared within seven days.
“In addition, all passengers must put on lifejackets before boarding boats in the state. And henceforth, manifest of passengers onboard boats must be taken before setting out.” He said.