A governorship aspirant of the Labour Party in Imo State, Ifeanyi Ezeagu, has expressed deep sorrow over the boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which has so far claimed the lives of at least 46 people.
Ezeagu, a Sokoto-based businessman, also commiserated with the people of Gorau, the Goronyo Local Government Council and the Sokoto State Government over the tragic incident.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday morning, the aspirant described the incident as painful and tragic, noting that efforts were still ongoing to locate 16 other passengers who were on board the ill-fated boat.
According to reports, 77 people were on the boat when it capsized, with 15 passengers rescued alive while the search for the remaining victims continued.
Ezeagu said the scale of the tragedy underscored the urgent need for governments at all levels to improve safety standards on the country’s inland waterways.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap in Gorau, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which has resulted in the loss of many precious lives.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the people of Gorau and the entire Sokoto State Government at this very difficult moment.
“The loss of 46 lives, with the search still ongoing for another 16 persons, is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by communities that depend on water transportation.”
The Labour Party aspirant called on the Federal Government and state governments across the country to pay greater attention to riverine communities and strengthen safety measures governing water transportation.
He said governments must develop and enforce policies that would reduce the risks associated with inland waterway transportation.
“Both the Federal and state governments must pay greater attention to riverine areas, particularly water transportation.
“There is an urgent need for adequate policies, safety regulations, regular inspection of boats, provision of life jackets and effective emergency response mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of this kind of tragedy.
“Government must ensure that the safety of citizens who depend on waterways for their daily activities is treated as a priority,” Ezeagu said.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and urged rescue agencies, local divers and other stakeholders to sustain the search for those still missing.
Ezeagu also appealed to the families of the victims to remain strong, saying the tragedy required collective action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
