Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Kogi State following a tragic boat accident in Ibaji Local Government Area on Tuesday, which resulted in the loss of several lives. The victims, mostly traders travelling from Ibaji to Ilushi market in Edo State, were reportedly on their way to conduct legitimate business when the accident occurred.
In a statement, the President described the incident as both shocking and deeply unfortunate, noting the tragic loss of lives while citizens were engaged in lawful economic activities. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety in all forms of transportation, particularly water travel, where the risk of accidents remains high due to overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, and inadequate regulatory oversight.
President Tinubu commended first responders at the scene for their prompt and courageous efforts to assist survivors and mitigate further losses. He called on federal, state, and local emergency response agencies to step up their interventions, ensuring that victims receive timely medical care and that affected families are supported in coping with the tragedy. The President emphasized that authorities at all levels have a critical responsibility to enforce safety standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Additionally, President Tinubu urged operators of water transportation to place passenger safety above financial considerations in their daily operations. He stressed that adherence to safety protocols, proper maintenance of vessels, and adequate training of personnel are essential to preventing accidents and protecting lives, particularly for traders and commuters who rely on these services to sustain their livelihoods.
The incident in Ibaji is part of a wider pattern of water transportation accidents in Nigeria, which have claimed numerous lives in recent years. Analysts attribute these tragedies to factors such as overcrowded vessels, non-compliance with safety regulations, poorly maintained equipment, and lack of enforcement by relevant authorities. Experts argue that improving safety standards, conducting regular inspections, and educating operators and passengers on proper safety measures are vital steps toward reducing the frequency and severity of such incidents.
Concluding his statement, President Tinubu offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who perished and for a swift recovery for the injured. He called on Nigerians to support affected families during this difficult period and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to enhancing safety measures in all modes of transportation.
The statement, released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, underscores the administration’s resolve to prioritize citizen safety while ensuring that emergency response mechanisms are strengthened nationwide.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com | ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments