Rabiu Omaku
Less than two months after twelve women were drowned in Lafia Local Government, again seven men perished in a boat mishap on the 4, September 2023 at Gidan Buba community of Lafia Local Government on their way to their farms.
Honorable Esson Mairiga (PDP) representing the Lafia North constituency averred that Seven persons lost their lives at Gidan Buba, where he said blood brothers perished in the mishap.
in addition, buttressed that the death toll reached 19, This scarce people within that axis from going to the farm.
The lawmaker raised the alarm under a matter of public interest, adding that the State Government should provide a flying boat to the riverine areas to avert further loss of lives and properties.
“Our people can’t go to farm due to the intermittent boat mishaps less than two months, said the people of Gallo, Sabon Gida Bakin Kogi, Tungan Nupawa, and other communities.
Hon.Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (NNPP) representing the Doma South constituency sympathized with the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the incident.
” I’m on the ground and I will overwhelmingly support you because I’m from a riverine area and the experience I had in a flying boat without a flying jacket is hectic and dangerous”.
Hon. Musa said there is a need for the House of Assembly to set up a committee to support people within the riverine area.
He, however, faulted villages within the riverine area to shun overloading as well as adopting the use of life-saving jackets at all times.
Hon.Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki (SDP) Lafia central constituency informed the lawmakers that last week two persons were drowned in river Amba while attempting to cross over.
He said urgent steps must be taken to avert further loss of lives and properties.
“I can’t go to my village now because the flood has taken over everywhere”.
Hon. Mohammed Isibambi (NNPP) representing Toto-Gadabuke expressed concern over the obsolete use of water transport.
Urging the State Government to emulate the kind gesture of the Honorable Speaker, Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi for empowering his constituents with a flying ‘boat.
The Speaker in his contribution also attested that he was a victim of a boat mishap one night.
The House resolved people within the riverine areas should be provided with modern boats to ease their movement to and from.
The State Government should adopt the use of modern flood-dictating devices in the riverine areas to avoid loss of lives and properties.
That the riverine people should embrace the use of life-saving jackets.
Hon.Danladi Jatau (APC) representing Kokona West moved for the adjournment of the sitting and was supported by Honorable Hajara Danyaro (APC) representing Nasarawa Central.
