Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Tragedy struck in Nigeria on Tuesday as a shipwreck claimed the lives of 15 children and left 25 missing. The boat was en route to the village of Dundeji in Sokoto state before it capsized in the middle of a river, according to local police spokesman Sanusi Abubakar.
The incident happened at a time when the nation is grappling with a surge in violence, rising insecurity, and the pandemic’s economic fallout. Many Nigerians have lost their sources of livelihood and have resorted to making the perilous journey across rivers in search of greener pastures.
The tragic event has raised concerns about the lack of safety measures for those who rely on boats as their primary means of transportation. Many Nigerians have expressed their outrage and called for swift action from the government to prevent such unfortunate incidents from happening again.
The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged boat operators in the region to prioritize safety measures. He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and missing children. We have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
The incident has also attracted international attention, with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) calling for urgent action to prevent such occurrences. Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, said, “The loss of these children’s lives is a tragedy. We call on all those who are responsible for the safety of children to take urgent measures to ensure their protection.”
This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the need for proper safety measures, especially in areas where water transport is the primary mode of transportation. The Nigerian government must address the lack of safety measures and ensure that boat operators adhere to safety regulations.
In conclusion, the tragedy in Sokoto state should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to prioritize safety when traveling by boat. The government must take urgent action to prevent such incidents from happening again and ensure that those responsible for operating boats prioritize safety measures. Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and missing children, and we pray for their comfort during this difficult time.
