The Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has called on the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to provide live jackets and sensitise residents around areas where dams are constructed to ensure safety on water transportation.
No fewer than seven persons, among them a man, his two wives, and eldest son lost their lives in a boat mishap in Zhigiri Village in Shiroro Local Government Area on Sunday.
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Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, on Wednesday said he was saddened by the accident that almost wiped out a whole family, describing it as painful and unfortunate.
He noted that travelling around the community was hitherto by land as the terrain was dry and motorable.
He, however, said the construction of the Zungeru Dam had forced residents of the affected communities to adopt water transportation.
The governor said the Zungeru dam was meant to boost power generation, adding that the people living in communities around the dam must be protected.
“I am really sad with the unfortunate boat mishap; measures need to be put in place to really avoid a repeat. It is good to have the dam, it is also important to protect the people living around the dam.
“My prayers are with the family members of the victims; I urge them to accept the incident as an act of Allah,’’ the governor said.
