The Management of National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA) has confirmed the death of 12 persons in the recent boat mishap in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
NIWA in a press release by its General Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tayo Fadile commiserated with the Government and People of Kwara State on the recent boat mishap.
According to him, "Information made available to us by NIWA Area Manager in Minna who covers Kwara State, Surv. Abubakar M. Wathanafa visited the site of the boat mishap confirmed that 12 people lost their lives, while two were rescued and search and rescue efforts is still ongoing by the combine team of NIWA, Marine Police, Fire Service and Local divers"
"The Area Manager attributed the cause of the accident on failure to adhere to NIWA Safety guidelines which includes overloading of the boat, using dilapidated and old boat and failure to use life jackets by the passengers"
"We will like to use this medium to appeal to the general public especially river users to strictly adhere to NIWA safety guidelines" he stated
Fadile assured that the present Management is working hard to ensure that such unfortunate incidents are reduced to the barest minimum.
He also assured that NIWA will continue to encourage boat users to use modern and safe water transportation mode on our waterways.
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