HighlightTrending Story

Lagos Sallah boat tragedy: Fatalities now 17

245

Not less than 17 bodies have so far been recovered from the boat mishap which occurred on the Mile 2- Ibeshe route in Lagos last Saturday.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 13 more bodies recovered in its latest operations in searching for missing passengers has pushed the fatalities to 17 from the initial four.

“Late yesterday night, two more bodies were recovered in addition to the two earlier recovered in the morning.

“With this, a total of 17 bodies have been recovered,” the agency’s South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, said in a statement a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews.

He frowned at what he called illegal boat operators plying the waterways beyond the stipulated official hours.

This, he  said, had resulted in avoidable boat mishaps and loss of lives.

“The act is a gross violation of the waterways guidelines for operators.

“It was revealed that the regulatory bodies have tried to stamp out illegal operations of small boat operators, who hardly use life jackets after official hours.

“But they do not heed to regulations put in place to stop them. It was also observed that wooden boats are not permitted to be used as passenger boats.

“But it is only at this odd hour that illegal operators always put the lives of unsuspecting passengers at risk,’’ Farinloye said.

The NEMA official said stakeholders including the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service, the Association of Boat/Ferry Operators of Nigeria and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) were strategizing to stamp out  illegal boat operations.

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...