Sokoto Boat Mishap: Adebayo Condoles Families, Calls For Stronger Safety Rules
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo, has expressed deep sorrow over the reported death of about 40 passengers in a boat mishap in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Adebayo, in a condolence message on Saturday, described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” that had plunged the victims’ families and the entire community into grief.
He commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of Goronyo and the Sokoto State Government, while urging authorities to intensify rescue and recovery efforts.
Adebayo said the loss of so many lives in a single incident was devastating, stressing that the tragedy should not be treated as merely another unfortunate accident.
He commended rescuers, local fishermen, community members and others involved in the search and recovery efforts, while calling on relevant authorities to do everything possible to account for the victims.
The SDP candidate also expressed concern that the incident occurred barely a year after another boat mishap in Sokoto claimed 10 lives.
Adebayo said the recurrence of deadly boat accidents in the state should compel authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to strengthen water transportation safety.
“Beyond condolences, we must learn from such tragedies and take concrete measures to prevent avoidable deaths. The safety of Nigerians travelling by waterways must receive the same seriousness accorded to other forms of transportation,” he said.
He urged the government to strengthen safety regulations, improve monitoring of boats and waterways, and ensure adequate emergency response mechanisms are in place to protect passengers.
Adebayo prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the tragedy and asked God to grant their families and loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.
