Governors’ Forum Mourns Victims of Benue Boat Mishap
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State following a tragic boat accident in Agatu Local Government Area that claimed 20 lives over the weekend.
In a statement signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Forum also commended emergency responders for their efforts in rescuing 11 survivors from the mishap.
“We send our commiserations to His Excellency, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the people of the state on the sad incident,” the statement read. “We beseech God Almighty to repose the souls of those who died in the incident.”
The Forum called on regulatory authorities to enhance oversight and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Citizens and boat operators were urged to prioritize safety by avoiding night travels, overloading, and disregarding established safety protocols.
The mishap, which occurred during a routine river journey, has raised concerns about the persistent challenges of waterway safety in Nigeria, including poor regulation and limited safety infrastructure.
Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized the collective responsibility of authorities and citizens to ensure safer waterways, saying, “These recurring incidents must be curbed in the interest of everyone.”
The NGF’s call for stricter safety measures reflects growing demands for improved oversight in the transport sector to safeguard lives, especially in vulnerable riverine communities.
