Nearly two months after a tragic boat incident resulted in the loss of more than 30 lives connecting Jigawa and Yobe states, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Yobe State Government, has delivered essential rescue equipment and aid to the riverine community of Ngarbi in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
This initiative was prompted by the canoe accident that took place on January 3, which involved over 50 passengers voyaging from the Adiyani area in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Ngarbi.
The mishap left many families in mourning and highlighted the dangers faced daily by locals who rely on water transport for business and movement.
During the handover event conducted in Ngarbi, the site of the disaster, community members, officials, and emergency responders assembled as trucks unloaded vibrant orange and green life jackets along with newly acquired rescue boats onto the sandy shoreline.
NEDC supplied a total of 100 life jackets, 10 inflatable rescue boats equipped with paddles, pumps, and toolkits, and two speedboats included with electric hydraulic davits.
In addition to the rescue apparatus, food and non-food items such as rice bags, blankets, mats, and children’s clothing were provided for the victims' families.
At the ceremony, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, the Yobe State Coordinator of the NEDC, conveyed that this intervention is part of the ongoing efforts to avert similar incidents in the future.
He disclosed that the food and relief supplies would be distributed to the families of those who perished, volunteer rescue teams, and local leaders to assist them, particularly during Ramadan.
“This assistance is intended not only for Ngarbi but also for other riverine communities in Yobe State. Our goal is to enhance safety measures, bolster emergency response, and minimize risks related to water transport,” he noted.
Prof. Abbas further mentioned that NEDC engineers had performed safety inspections, and training sessions would commence soon for selected operators and local responders to ensure the effective usage and upkeep of the supplied equipment.
Dr. Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), received the equipment on behalf of the state government and expressed gratitude to NEDC for fulfilling its commitment.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the reform strategies in disaster management spearheaded by Governor Mai Mala Buni, focusing on preventive actions rather than reactive measures.
Dr. Goje cautioned that possessing equipment alone would not resolve the challenges, advocating for a change in public attitudes towards water travel.
He stated, “We need to eliminate overloading of boats, avoid night sailing, and ensure that no one travels without a life jacket.” He further indicated that security agencies and community vigilance groups would be prompted to enforce compliance to protect lives.
Moreover, Hon. Muhammad Mairami, the Executive Chairman of Nguru Local Government, commended both the state government and NEDC for their prompt response to the community’s needs.
Representing him, Council Secretary Ibrahim Mohammed stated that this latest intervention serves as an important reminder. “We hope to never witness such tragedy again. If we properly utilize these resources, lives can be saved,” he affirmed.
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