In a tragic incident, at least 20 fishermen have lost their lives after a boat they were on capsized on the Benue River.
The victims, hailing from Ibi and Gindin Doruwa in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, were on their way to Kwara State in search of better opportunities when the accident occurred.
The boat mishap took place between the Anyeci area of Wukari council in Taraba State and the Chinkai axis of Benue State.
Jidda Suleiman, the Taraba State Water Transportation Chairman, confirmed the incident, explaining that the fishermen had gathered and boarded the boat for their journey.
The tragedy has deeply saddened the local communities, with twelve victims from Ibi and others from Gareji in Gindin Doruwa.
The fishermen’s annual tradition of traveling to neighboring states for fishing during the period leading up to December turned tragic this time.
Suleiman appealed to both the state and federal governments to provide life jackets for jetties to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State expressed his sorrow over the accident.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, conveyed the governor’s condolences and mentioned ongoing efforts by the government to investigate the causes of boat mishaps in the state.
Governor Kefas emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of water transport systems, and measures are being considered, including phasing out old boats and introducing compulsory life jacket use.
The governor plans to personally visit the affected areas and engage with local stakeholders in the water transport sector to enhance safety measures.
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