Boat Accident Claims 27 Lives In Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Barely seven months after a boat accident claimed the lives of over 100 villagers in Gwajibo community in Kaiama local government area of Kwara state, another boat tragedy has sent no fewer than 27 persons who were returning from a market expedition in Niger State to early grave.
An eye witness and a survivor said the incident happened three days ago at night while they were returning from Niger State due to overloading, though he could not give the exact number of passengers aboard the boat.
The Chairman of Kaiama local government, Abdullah Danladi, who led the government delegation to commiserate with the families of the victims said government would no longer tolerate the avoidable dastardly yearly occurrence resulting in the losses of several lives, adding that a committee would be set up to enforce usage of life jackets and stoppage of night travelling, among other measures.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umar said enlightenment would be intensified to ensure passengers and boat operators adhere to water travelling safety standards and measures.