The Federal government, through the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), has announced a cash donation of N3 million to families of the boat accident in Wara, Kebbi State.

HYPPADEC Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, made the disclosure when he paid a condolence visit to the affected community.

The donation comes days after no fewer than 100 people lost their lives when a loaded boat conveying them and goods crashed and broke into two in Wara, Kebbi State. 

While noting that the commission planned to take proactive measures to avert boat accidents, Mr Sadiq-Yelwa added that consultations were also ongoing with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to crush floating big rocks causing obstructions and accidents on the waterways.

“The commission has secured approval of the Governing Council to cut and evacuate tree trunks in some portions of River Niger while consultations are ongoing with National Inland Waterways Authority to crush big rocks causing accidents on the waterways.

”All these are part of the Commission’s proactive measures to address the incessant boat and canoe accidents on the River Niger.

“This delegation has the directives of the Chairman, HYPPADEC Governing Council, Barrister Joseph Terfa Ityav, to commiserate with the people affected by the incident.

“This ugly incident is highly devastating, therefore, I want to advocate for a concerted effort to avert future occurrence,” Mr Sadiq-Yelwa said at Wars, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi.

Responding on behalf of the people, the Chairman, Ngaski Local Government council, Abdullahi Buhari-Wara and the District Head of Maginga, Abdulmalik Nuhu, thanked HYPPADEC for the timely visit and support to the victims.

They also expressed appreciation for the activities outlined by the commission to mitigate the menace of boat mishaps, urging relevant authorities to ensure enforcement of maritime transportation safety guidelines.