Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has commiserated with the families of seven persons who lost their lives in a boat mishap in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Bello, in a statement by Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, his Chief Press Secretary, on Wednesday, described the incident as painful and unfortunate.
The victims lost their lives in the mishap at Zhigiri village on Sunday, while traveling to Dnaweto for a naming ceremony.
Bello noted that travelling around the community was hitherto by land as the terrain was dry and motorable.
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He, however, said the construction of the Zungeru Dam had forced residents of the affected communities to adopt water transportation.
“I am really sad with the unfortunate boat mishap; measures need to be put in place to really avoid a repeat. It is good to have the dam, it is also important to protect the people living around the dam.
“My prayers are with the family members of the victims; I urge them to accept the incident as an act of Allah,” the governor said.
He called on the Hydro Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to provide live jackets and sensitise the residents to the use of water transportation to safeguard their lives.
The governor said the Zungeru dam was meant to boost power generation, adding that the people living in communities around the dam must be protected.
He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to prevent a repeat.