Chief Dr. George Moghalu.

Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA Chief Dr. George Moghalu has expressed deep sense of grief over the boat accidents that happened in Gurin River, a suburb of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State and that of a river in Gbajibo, Mokwa of Niger State.

According to a statement by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of NIWA, Mr. Jibril Dauda, the MD while extending his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those that sustained injuries, noted that the incident is more disheartening as some of the victims on board were reportedly heading for farming activities.

He however commended the life-saving work of the first responders, local divers and Marine Police at the scene of the incidents and wished the injured speedy recovery and success on the search and rescue of some missing passengers on the capsised boat.

The NIWA- boss reiterated call on transporters to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways, emphasising on the need for the people in the riverine communities traveling by boats and canoes to use live jackets and avoid overcrowded boats.

Moghalu prayed that the Almighty God will comfort the grieving family members at this very difficult time of grief.

It was gathered that apart from the fact that both boats were over crowed, most of the passengers on board did not wear life jackets.