BOAT MISHAP : NIWA sympathises with government, people of Kwara State

BOAT MISHAP :
NIWA sympathises with government, people of Kwara State

The Management of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is deeply saddened by the Boat mishap that occurred on June 12, 2023, along  Jebba Lake channel in Lafiagi-Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, in which 103 passengers lost their lives

This condolence message formed part of the press release signed by the GM, Corporate Affairs, Mr Jibril Darda’u.

The message reads; “We condole with the families of those who lost their loved ones and particularly concerned about the huge number of casualties.

“This accident was clearly an unfortunate and avoidable one. Preliminary investigations through our Area Manager in Minna/Kwara Area Office, revealed that the boat driver and wedding guests were on the ill-fated voyage about 2:30am, which speaks volumes about the disregard for the laws regulating Inland Waterways navigation.

“Furthermore, for a wooden boat to have allegedly been carrying more than 200 passengers at once without using life jackets and sailing in the night was certainly gross-overloading and misconduct.

“While we extend our commiserations to the government and people of Kwara State, we will in line with extant laws and regulations, investigate this callous incident and prosecute those found culpable.

“NIWA as an Authority will not allow reckless boat operators flaunting our safety guidelines and killing innocent commuters”.