The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged parents in Benue State to caution their children from swimming in rivers in order to reduce cases of drowning.
The Area Manager of NIWA in Makurdi, Samson Onobu, made the appeal at the weekend while educating the public on water safety to minimise unnecessary loss of life during a sensitisation event.
Onobu stressed the need for parents and traditional rulers to restrict children from swimming to help reduce drowning incidents as he identified common causes of accidents to include speeding, overloading boats, operating at night without lights and transporting passengers without life jackets.
He said, “Boats that are not in good condition need to be repaired. We are beginning enforcement and will be inspecting boats at loading points. Everyone should start repairing their boats; and overloading must stop.
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“Many accidents are caused by overloading, and we cannot continue risking the lives of our passengers. Any boat found overloaded with passengers will be arrested. Some of these boat operators lack experience and tend to speed, causing water to enter the boat, which leads to accidents.
“We want to improve the reputation of water transportation. When accidents happen and people lose their lives, it tarnishes the image of the industry.
“Additionally, wearing life jackets is mandatory. Organise your teams and purchase life jackets together to make it easier.”
The NIWA manager announced the release of a new waterways code by the federal government which prohibits night sailing and restricts boat operations to 6am to 6pm.
The Sarkin Nupawa at Makurdi Waterside, represented by Tanko Barde; and the Oche’Agatu of Makurdi, represented by Chief Ibrahim Agyema, lauded the authority for the initiative.
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