The Yobe State Government has provided a N20 million relief donation to families affected by the recent boat mishap in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Damaturu by Hussaini Mai-Sule, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Gubana.
According to reports, the tragedy claimed the lives of at least 29 people, including farmers and fishermen, while 14 others are still missing after the incident on January 4 in Nguru LGA.
The ill-fated boat was conveying about 52 passengers from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru when it capsized.
According to the statement, Gubana announced the donation in Nguru when he paid a condolence visit to the Nguru Emirate Council and the victims of the disaster on Tuesday.
“He directed that the money should be shared among the injured passengers and the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
“The deputy governor prayed to Allah to grant eternal rest to the immediate families of the deceased and give them the fortitude to bear the losses,” he said.
Mai-Sule said that the deputy governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to train and sensitise canoe operators on safety measures.
He promised that the state government would procure modern boats and life jackets to enhance water transportation in the area.
Gubana, however, cautioned operators against overloading, which he said was the major cause of boat accidents in the area.
