The Yobe State government has donated N20 million to the victims of a recent boat accident in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in statement by Hussaini Mai-Sule, Press Secretary to the state Deputy Governor, Idi Gubana, in Damaturu on Wednesday.

He said that Mr Gubana announced the donation in Nguru when he paid a condolence visit to Nguru Emirate Council and the victims of the disaster on Tuesday.

He said, “He directed that the money should be shared among the injured passengers and the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The deputy governor prayed to Allah to grant eternal rest to the immediate families of the deceased and give them the fortitude to bear the losses.”

Mr Mai-Sule said that the deputy governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to train and sensitise canoe operators on safety measures.

He promised that the state government would procure modern boats and life jackets to enhance water transportation in the area.

Mr Gubana, however, cautioned operators against overloading, which he said, was the major cause of boat accidents in the area.

YOSEMA had earlier confirmed the death of 29 persons in the boat accident.

Executive Secretary of YOSEMA, Dr. Mohammed Goje, told journalists that the accident occurred on January 3 when the boat which took off from Adiyani town, in neighbouring Jigawa, capsized in River Yobe.

“Of the 52 passengers, mainly farmers and traders, were on board during the accident; Sadly, 29 persons are confirmed dead,15 were rescued and eight others are still missing,” he said.

Mr Goje said that search and rescue for survivors was ongoing by divers under the supervision of the agency.

(NAN)