The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has commiserated with the Kwara State government and families of victims of the recent boat mishap where 106 persons lost their lives.
It was reported that the boat which had 250 passengers on board were traveling for a wedding ceremony when it was already dark and never had their life jackets on when the boat capsized due to a faulty engine within Ebu and Dzakan villages respectively in Pattegi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday this week.
President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju in a statement expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident urging the state government to intensify campaign on the need for passengers to always make use of life jackets anytime they embark on water transportation.
“We as a union in the maritime sector really feel depressed over the sad incident which claimed the lives of many as reported in the state. We are also saddened and deeply pained in our hearts as we commiserate with the families of whom loved ones were victims in the boat mishap.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss of lives; at the same urging the State Government not to relent in their campaign on the need to make sure of the use of life jackets each time people embark on water transportation within the riverine areas of the state.
The union noted that it is also very imperative that the government carry out awareness training periodically on safety, security and protection of boat drivers and passengers, stating to them categorically the need to always travel with life jackets, well serviced boat engines, and avoiding overloading of passengers with total restrictions of night travels on water.
“Movement of boats must be prohibited from 1800hours of every day as proper adherence to these waterways’ laws will guarantee safety and security of persons and boats on water transportation.
“On this note, I want to use this medium to pray for the state over the incident and for the souls of the departed, that may God grant them eternal rest in peace,” the statement reads.
