The Labour Party, LP, has described the recent boat mishap in Niger State, which claimed nearly 60 lives, as “one tragedy too many”.
The opposition party urged authorities to enact stricter laws regulating water transportation in order to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies
The Interim National Chairman of the party, Nenadi Usman, made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday while extending condolences to the families of victims.
Usman noted the alarming frequency of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
DAILY POST reports that the accident occurred at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The boat, which was reportedly carrying about 90 passengers, had departed Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward en route to Dugga for a condolence visit when it capsized.
“It is deeply unfortunate and heart-wrenching that people on a journey to sympathize with others became victims of a calamity themselves,” Usman said.
She urged authorities to urgently consider more robust legislation and stricter enforcement of safety regulations on waterways, stressing that the recurrent mishaps, particularly in Niger State, demanded immediate action.
“On behalf of the entire Labour Party family, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of Niger State, and indeed all Nigerians, on this national tragedy,” she added.
