Research has shown that the rate of boat mishap on Nigerian waterways are on the increase, recently a boat accident that occurred at Ebbe, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, has claimed six lives.
Information gathered has it that the victims were on their way to the popular Miza Market in Katcha.
The accident destroyed goods worth hundreds of thousands of naira as recounted by an eye witness.
Investigation revealed that the mishap was as a result of a head-on collision with an oncoming boat.
Both boats, it was gathered, had aboard them mostly women and children.
The women are trader who deals with smoked fish from surrounding villages and communities.
One of the survivors, Muhammadu Ndalugi, who narrated the incident, said, “It was poor visibility that resulted to the accident.”
Adding, “The drivers despite the sounds from their boat engines could not see clearly, hence the collision.”
A relative of one of the deceased, Ayishetu Ahmadu, could not control her tears as she narrated the loss of her aunt, whom she said, was on the boat from Ebbe.
Her words: “My aunt had been used to going to Katcha Market and she was famous for her jovial nature, but today, Allah has decreed that she had to go, and there is nothing anyone can do about it”.
However, there was prompt intervention of Local divers at the scene trying to recover more bodies.
