Boat mishaps: 12 rescued, eight bodies recovered in Niger
As Adamawa union leader flays disregard for rules
NIGER State Emergency Management Agency ( NSEMA), yesterday, confirmed that its officers in Borgu Local Council of the state rescued 12 persons, following Monday’s boat mishap.
Spokesperson for the agency, Ibrahim Hussaini, who confirmed the development, said eight corpses were recovered, while search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
This came as the Adamawa State chairman of Maritime Workers Union, Mahmoud Abdullahi, disclosed yesterday that dozens died in boat mishaps in the state last year.
Abdullahi blamed the incidents on lack of
cooperation between operators and union officials regarding rules of
operations.
Giving a breakdown to newsmen in Adamawa,
Abdullahi said about 14 people died at Gurin, Fofure Local Council; seven died in Borinje; and six in Njuwa lake, across Rugange village, Yola South Local Council, totalling 27 deaths in September alone. Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, sympathised with the emirate and residents of Borgu Local Council.
The governor, in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as unfortunate and pathetic.
He prayed for repose of the souls of the departed and quick recover y for the injured. He also prayed that God would comfort the families of the victims, the Emir of Borgu Kingdom, and the people of the council. .
He commended efforts of the council’s officials and NSEMA for quickly engaging in rescue operations, in collaboration with local divers.
He urged relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAS) to rise to their responsibilities and ensure that safety precautions are observed in riverine communities to avert boat mishaps.