Boat mishap: 4 killed, 2 missing 19 rescued in Nasarawa

A boat which reportedly capsized in a river in Alogani Community in Lafia East Development Area of Nasarawa State, has left no fewer than four persons dead of four persons as a result of boat mishap at the commuynity’s river.

The incident according to an eyewitness occured on Tuesday, when they the victims were crossing to a neighboring community to attend the market in the area.

Our correspondent gathered that the capsized boat was overloaded with 25 passengers, 8 motorcycles and 4 bags of mellon when the ugly incident took place leading to the death of three men and a female .

An eyewitness told our correspondent that out of the 25 persons, 19 were rescued alive, 4 dead bodies were recovered, while 2 others, eight motorcycles and the 4 bags of mellon were yet to be recovered as at the time of filling this report.

A resident of the community, Abdulhamid Sale, who confirmed the incident described the tragedy as disheartening and regrettable, considering the frequent boats mishap which he said is the only means of transportation in the area.

Sale while calling on relevant authorities to come to their aid decried the number of lost as a result of the incidents

Overseer of Lafia East Development Area, Barrister Haruna Muhammed when contacted, confirmed the incident and said the authorities concerned were aware of the tragedy adding that investigation to ascertain the immediate cause of the incident was ongoing as he sympathised with the community and the families of the victims.

He said efforts were on by the community and the authority, to engage the services of some divers and experienced fishermen to recover the missing persons and the properties.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), has passed into second reading a bill for a law to establish Nasarawa State Inland Waterways Regulation Agency, to regulate the carriage of persons and goods across all waterways within Nasarawa State sponsored by Larry Ven Bawa, member representing Akwanga South.

While presenting some of the ingredients attached to the bill, Ven Bawa, said that if the bill was passed into law, it will boost the socio-economic strength of the state by regulating the activities in the riverine communities as well as provide job opportunities for the teeming youths in the state and curb the trend of boat mishaps.