Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State says his administration will review the extant maritime laws to prevent further loss of lives and properties.
Bagudu made this known in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Malam Yahaya Sarki, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
It said the governor revealed this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu, on Friday following the unfortunate boat mishap that involved a canoe believed to have been overloaded with over 160 passengers.
Bagudu explained that the review was necessary in the face of recurring cases of boat mishaps, resulting in the loss of lives and properties of innocent passengers in the state.
“The governor was informed that 76 dead bodies have so far been recovered, following the boat mishap at Warrah on Wednesday.
“No fewer than 22 victims have also been rescued alive as of today,” the statement added.
It said that 59 of the recovered dead victims were from Warrah town, expressing hope that more of the victims would be rescued alive.
“The incident was unfortunate and saddening, yet, It was ordained by the Almighty Allah.
“The incident drew myriad of sympathies and condolences from across the globe, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, NASS members, governors, traditional, religious and political leaders, among others.
“Bagudu also acknowledged and appreciated the flurry of search and rescue efforts by divers, private boat owners, governmental and non-governmental agencies.
“The governor condoled with the families of the victims, as well as prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed victims, while he also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.
“Bagudu called on people, especially boat users and passengers to learn from previous experiences and desist from acts capable of endangering their lives.
“In whatever we do, we must stick to rules, boat users should stick to specifications on the exact number of passengers to be carried by each boat.
“There should always be passengers manifest, even before boarding. The basic marine transport protocols should be observed.
“This is something we can do at least to guard against future occurrences.
“He urged people to accept the incident in good faith as it was from God and advised them not to be deterred from working hard to earn their legitimate livelihoods,” the statement read in part.
(NAN)
