Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, has announced a donation of N20 million to the families of victims of the boat accident that occurred in the state.
On Saturday, 41 persons were reported dead after a boat conveying over 50 passengers capsized shortly after leaving the shore in Gummi LGA of the state.
Mani Mummuni, Zamfara’s deputy governor, spoke on behalf of the governor on Tuesday during a visit to Lawal Hassan, the Emir of Gummi, and the families of the victims.
The deputy governor said the donation would alleviate the hardship faced by the victims’ families and assured that the state government is committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.
The deputy governor added that the Zamfara government would partner with the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to equip all water transport stations with lifejackets.
“Experts will also be deployed to sensitise operators as well as the users on prevention and safety measures,” Mummuni said.
“The use of lifejackets would be made compulsory for every passenger and operator. Violators of these measures would be sanctioned accordingly.”
On his part, the Emir of Gummi appreciated the state government’s timely gesture, adding that enforcing lifejacket use is critical.
He noted that 20 passengers were involved in the accident, contrary to 40 reported initially.
The monarch said seven persons were rescued and 13 bodies were recovered.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu pledged support for the bereaved families.