Boat mishap in Niger

•11 drown as canoe capsizes
 From AKIN ALOFETEKUN, Minna No fewer than 11 persons have been confirmed dead in Garafini Kodo in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State as the boat in which they were traveling capsized on Monday evening  in the middle of a river. The accident occurred at about 6 p.m while the  boat was travelling from Garafini Kodo to Garafini village.
Seven survivors of the mishap and other witnesses stated   that the boat, which was carrying 18 passengers,  hit the stump of a tree covered by water and was damaged. The survivors were said to have swam to safety.
Recall that the latest  mishap is the fourth in the state in the last one year.
Meanwhile,  Governor Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, has condoled with the Borgu emirate and the entire people of Borgu Local Government Area of the state over the death of 11 persons in the boat mishap.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, Governor Aliyu said the incident happened at Garafini Kodo area of Borgu, adding that seven other passengers were rescued.
He described the incident as unfortunate, pledging that government would investigate the remote cause of the disaster and continue to work towards checking the rising cases of boat mishaps within communities in  the riverine areas across the state .
“This is no doubt, a dark moment for us here in Niger State. These were people who were hale and hearty and in good health condition, pursuing different legitimate courses until they met their untimely deaths. I see this as a personal loss not just in my capacity as governor, but first as a human being who attaches much premium to human life and dignity.”
Governor Aliyu   urged inhabitants of communities in riverine settlements to avoid travelling in overcrowded boats and ensure they adhere strictly to laid-down safety measures. He also called on community leaders to enlighten their subjects on the dangers associated with disobeying safety guidelines while travelling by boat.
The governor, while pledging government efforts  to ensure  strict adherence to wearing life jackets and other safety measures, said the safety of lives and property of all Niger residents, irrespective of tribe, religious or political persuasion, remained top priority of his administration.