The North East Development Commission has distributed rescue boats, life jackets, and relief materials to residents of the Ngarbi/Bombori community in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State following a fatal boat mishap that claimed several lives.
The intervention, carried out in partnership with the Yobe State Government on Wednesday, aims to strengthen water transport safety and cushion the hardship faced by the families of the victims.
It could be recalled that PUNCH Online earlier reported that a canoe accident occurred on January 3, involving passengers travelling from Adiyani community in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Ngarbi in Yobe State, leaving several persons dead.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the NEDC Yobe State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, said the gesture was part of efforts to prevent a recurrence.
“This support is not only for Ngarbi but for other riverine communities across Yobe State. Our aim is to strengthen safety measures, improve emergency response, and reduce the risks associated with water transportation,” he said.
Abbas added, “The food and relief materials will be distributed to the families of the deceased, volunteer rescue teams, and community leaders, especially to support them during the Ramadan period.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Mohammed Goje, commended the commission for the intervention but cautioned residents against unsafe practices.
“We must change our attitude. Overloading of boats must stop. Night sailing is dangerous and should be avoided. No one should travel without wearing a life jacket.
“Equipment alone will not solve the problem. Security agencies and community vigilante groups will be encouraged to enforce compliance to safeguard lives,” Goje said.
The Chairman of Nguru Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Mairami, represented by the Council Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, also expressed appreciation for the intervention.
“We thank the NEDC and the state government for responding to our community’s needs. We assure you that these items will be properly utilised,” he said.
Items distributed include 100 life jackets; 10 inflatable rescue boats with paddles, pumps, and toolkits; two speedboats fitted with electric hydraulic davits; as well as food and non-food supplies such as bags of rice, mats, blankets, and children’s clothing.
Earlier, NEDC engineers conducted safety checks on the boats and announced that training sessions would soon begin for selected operators and local responders to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
