The incident, which happened, yesterday includes fishermen from Ibi and Gindin Doruwa in Wukari Local Government Area of the state.
The Taraba State Water Transportation Chairman, Jidda Suleiman, confirmed the incident to newsmen, stating that the boat mishap took place between the Anyeci area of Wukari council in Taraba State and the Chinkai axis of Benue State.
According to him, “I was informed that the fishermen converged and boarded the boat to Kwara State in search for greener pasture, and along the way, they had an accident and over 20 people have died.
“Twelve people out of the dead bodies are from Ibi while, some from Gareji, in Gindin Doruwa, Wukari council of Taraba State.
“It has been the tradition of our fishermen in Taraba State that once it is close to December, some will travel to Cameroon, some to Chad, and other places to fish till August of the following year.
“It’s unfortunate that the usual tradition turned to be sorrowful this time.”
He urged both the state and federal governments to supply life jackets for jetties to prevent future incidents.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State expressed his pain regarding the tragic accident.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, lamented the recurring boat mishaps and assured that the government is actively working on measures to prevent further waterway tragedies.
He said: “Today’s boat incident is even more unfortunate since it is coming on the heels of a similar one in Karim Lamido that threw the state into mourning.
“It is heartbroken, however, I wish to appeal that the government is already on top of the situation as various investigations are underway to unravel the remote causes of boat mishaps in the state.
“I will soon personally tour the affected areas to meet with local stakeholders in the waterways transport sectors to ensure that the water transport system is safe for passengers.
“Measures are put in place to face out old boats and introduce the compulsory use of life jackets among other life-saving measures.”
Kanyi Daily recalls that the Nigerian Air Force had Killed over 20 Fishermen while targeting Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno.
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