BREAKING: AGAIN, OVER TWENTY TARABA INDIGENES DIE IN BOAT MISHAP 13-11-23
By Sadiq Aminu No fewer than twenty (20) people have died as a boat en route from the Ibi local government area of Taraba State to Kwara State capsized in the River Benue at Anyeci area of Benue State.
The Chairman of Transportation, Taraba State chapter, Alhaji Jidda Suleiman said that the boat capsized in between Chinkai of Benue State and the Anyeci area of Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
The boat was conveying fishermen comprising people from Ibi, and Wukari local government areas of Taraba State.
According to him, “When I enquired, I was told that the fishermen converged and boarded the boat to Kwara state in search of grinerpasture, and along the way they had an accident and about twenty people have died.
He revealed that twelve people out of the dead bodies were from Ibi LGA, and some Gareji of Gindin Doruwa all from Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
“They all know how to swim but you know if you did your best but become tired, there is nothing you can do anymore, and that was how they died, and no items were recovered,” says Jidda.
Alhaji Jidda Suleiman reiterated his appeal to both the state and federal governments to assist them with life jackets which he said is the only solution to such incidences.
“Had it been they have life jackets it would have helped them since they have swimming skills. You know it is a tradition of our fishermen from Taraba, once it is December some will travel to Cameroon, some will go to Chad for greener pasture and they will not come back until August. Jidda added.
Also in a telephone conversation with our Correspondent, the Head of Local Government Administration of Ibi LGA, Isa Muhammed confirmed that the dead bodies have already been varied in the area where the incident occurred and commiserated with families of the victims.
Recalled that a boat carrying 104 passengers mostly women and children capsized in River Benue on October 28, 2023, while returning from the Mayo-Renewo fish market in Ardo-Kola LGA of Taraba State to Binneri town.