In response to a recent boat tragedy in Binneri community, Karim-Lamido local government council, the Taraba State government has taken swift action to safeguard the lives of its citizens by imposing a ban on all nighttime journeys on the state’s waterways.
The tragic incident involved a locally-made boat carrying more than eighty passengers from Mayoranewo Market in Ardo-Kola Council to Karim-Lamido council.
The boat capsized in Binneri village, resulting in the loss of multiple lives.
To date, only twenty bodies have been recovered by the Marine Police, in collaboration with local divers and fishermen from the area.
In a show of concern and urgency, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, representing the Governor, paid a visit to the affected community.
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During his visit, he ordered the immediate removal of barricades obstructing the waterways and issued a seven-day ultimatum for their clearance.
The government has vowed to impound any boat or canoe found operating on the waterways during the night.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Social Development, Saviour Noku, emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate overloading of boats or canoes on Taraba’s waterways.
Furthermore, he directed boat operators to cease traveling on the waterways without providing passenger manifests and life jackets for their passengers.
Local residents informed the Deputy Governor that fishermen had placed barricades on the waterways, which contributed to the tragic incident. As a result, the government has taken decisive measures to address this issue and enhance waterway safety in the state.