By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state, Dr. Kolo Baba Jiya, has called on the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADC), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other relevant authorities to, as a matter of urgency, regulate the movements of people on the various waterways across the country.

He also stressed the need for the presence of security operatives at the riverine areas, particularly areas where the boats ply regularly.

Kolo, who is the Haske of Patigi, urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of survivors of the Patigi boat accident, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the dastardly incident.

The philanthropist also advised the government to put in place a task force that would regulate the number of passengers each boat can carry on any trip.

He commended the timely condolence visit of the federal government’s delegation to the families of the victims as well as survivors, and their inspection to the scene of the incident.

Kolo also appreciated the physical presence of the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar, for their visit and donation of life jackets so as to forestall a reoccurrence.

The philanthropist commiserated with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi, the families of the victims and the entire people of Patigi over what he described as tragic and unfortunate incident and prayed God to forgive the souls of the departed.

According to reports, there were 106 fatalities in the inferno and 144 were rescued while an emergency team has also evacuated the wreckage of the boat.

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