The Niger State Government has extended financial and material support to families affected by the recent boat mishap in Zumba, Munya Local Government Area, as part of its efforts to cushion the impact of the tragedy and strengthen safety measures on waterways.
A delegation led by the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta on Thursday visited Guni community to condole with relatives of the 13 victims who lost their lives in the incident. Each bereaved family received ₦200,000, 50kg of rice, and 50kg of maize, while the Association of Boat Operators in the area was given 50 additional life jackets.
During the visit, Hajia Kuta expressed sadness that passengers involved in the mishap had not used the life jackets previously distributed by the government. She disclosed that 150 jackets had been provided to boat operators before the incident, warning that sanctions and prosecutions await those who flout safety regulations.
Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mairo Mohammed Mann, who were also part of the delegation, urged community leaders to enforce the use of life jackets and remove undergrowth along waterways.
They emphasised Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called for collaboration between government, operators, and local communities to prevent future tragedies.
