The Yobe State Government has donated N20 million to victims of the recent boat accident in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Damaturu on Wednesday by Hussaini Mai-Sule, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Idi Gubana.
According to the statement, the deputy governor announced the donation on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the Nguru Emirate Council and families affected by the tragedy. He directed that the funds be distributed among injured passengers and the families of those who lost their lives.
Gubana prayed for Allah to grant eternal rest to the deceased and give their families the strength to bear the losses.
He also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to train and sensitise canoe operators on water safety measures, promising that the state government would procure modern boats and life jackets to improve water transportation in the area.
The deputy governor cautioned boat operators against overloading, describing it as the major cause of recurring boat accidents in the state.
Earlier, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) confirmed that 29 people died in the incident. The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Mohammed Goje, said the accident occurred on January 3 when a boat travelling from Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa State capsized in River Yobe.
He said the boat was carrying 52 passengers, mostly farmers and traders, adding that 15 people were rescued, while eight others were still missing.
Dr Goje noted that search and rescue operations were ongoing, with divers working under the supervision of the agency.
