Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The ill-fated news of the death of about 20 persons in a boat accident in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has been described as a great loss to family members of the victims and the Local Government Area in general.
Executive Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Hon. Target Isaiah Segibo stated this while reacting to the incident that occurred on Wednesday.
According to reports, the local boat was journeying from Ekeni in the Council Area to Yenagoa when the mishap occurred at about 12:30pm.
The Chairman, while expressing grief over the ugly incident, warned operators of marine transport in the area to place utmost value on the safety of lives and properties by providing life jackets to all passengers and ensure that their vessels are in good condition before every journey.
Hon. Target Segibo called on the Maritime Union Officers and men of the marine police and the Nigerian Navy to always check particulars of boat operators to confirm their compliance to maritime saftey rules in order to forestall further occurrence of boat accidents.
He commended security agents in the area on their timely actions in curbing crime in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and other parts, which he said has reduced the crime rate in recent times.
