The Labour Party has characterised the recent boat accident in Niger State, which resulted in the loss of nearly 60 lives, as an overwhelming tragedy that demands immediate national action.
The opposition party is now calling on relevant authorities to enact and enforce more stringent laws governing water transportation to prevent the recurrence of such devastating incidents.
The appeal was made by the party’s Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, in a formal statement released in Abuja. While extending her profound condolences to the families who lost loved ones, Usman highlighted the alarming and unacceptable frequency of boat accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
She expressed particular sorrow over the circumstances of the recent mishap, noting the profound irony that the passengers were on a journey to offer sympathy to others before becoming victims of a calamity themselves.
The ill-fated boat, which was reportedly carrying approximately 90 passengers, capsized at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area. It had departed from Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward and was headed to Dugga for a condolence visit when the disaster struck.
Usman emphasised that this pattern of recurrent tragedies, especially within Niger State, signals a critical need for intervention. She stressed that robust legislation and, more importantly, the strict enforcement of existing safety regulations on waterways are urgently required to protect citizens.
Concluding the statement on behalf of the entire Labour Party, Usman offered her deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, the government and people of Niger State, and all Nigerians affected by what she described as a national tragedy. The party’s statement serves as both a mourning of the lives lost and a forceful demand for proactive measures to ensure such a disaster is not repeated.
Also Read:
NCAA grants Nigeria’s first Aerodrome Operational Permit to Ogun’s Gateway International Airport
Sen. Sani Questions Pres. Tinubu’s ‘Working Vacation’ in Europe
FG, ensure strict reliance on rule of law, justice – Bolaji Akinyemi
cc: Daily Post NG
