President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by two recent tragedies, a devastating flood in Yola, Adamawa State, and a fatal boat accident in Guni village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President mourned the loss of lives in both incidents and praised the courage and swift action of responders.
“The President mourned the lives lost in both tragedies and commended the bravery of the Adamawa and Niger State Emergency Management Agencies, local divers, volunteers, and community leaders assisting in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts,” the statement read.
President Tinubu also addressed the broader issue of flooding, noting that it is a global challenge worsened by climate change.
However, he cautioned that certain local behaviours continue to aggravate the situation.
“Despite ongoing enlightenment campaigns by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), such incidents continue to occur,” the President observed.
He urged national and community leaders to amplify awareness around waterway safety and called on citizens and business owners who rely on rivers for transportation or trade to follow all safety protocols.
“The President called on opinion leaders and relevant authorities to intensify advocacy on waterway safety, urging citizens and entrepreneurs who rely on the waterways for their livelihood to adhere strictly to safety regulations issued by competent bodies.”
To enhance the government’s response, Tinubu directed immediate collaboration between federal emergency agencies and state authorities.
“President Tinubu directed the National Emergency Response Centre and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work closely with Adamawa and Niger State authorities to deliver swift and comprehensive assistance.”
Over the weekend, floods in parts of Yola claimed five lives and injured 55 others, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
On the same weekend, tragedy struck in Niger State when a boat carrying 39 passengers capsized near Guni village on Saturday morning.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that 13 people died, eight women, three men, and two children. The remaining 26 passengers were rescued.
Malik Baba Suleiman, Deputy Public Relations Officer of NSEMA, said “All 13 bodies were recovered and buried according to Islamic rites.”
The ill-fated boat was reportedly overloaded with goods and passengers and was en route to Zumba before it capsized around 11:45 am.
Water turbulence and overloading are considered likely causes, although investigations are still underway.
