N-HYPPADEC SYMPATHISES WITH BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT, FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OVER CANOE MISHAP, CAUTIONS AGAINST OVERLOADING, NIGHT JOURNEYS.

The management and staff of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) wish to condole with the families of victims of a boat mishap in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a statement by Nura Tanko Wakili, the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the Commission,the incident reportedly occurred on Friday, 3rd October, when members of the Ishudul Tse Kucha Mbausu Mbayion Motorcycle Association (Okada Riders) were returning from a burial ceremony.

The boat, reportedly conveying over 90 passengers and 35 motorcycles, capsized at about 9 p.m. while travelling through the River Katsina-Ala.
As a result, one victim has been confirmed dead, while 11 others are still missing as rescue operations continue.

The Commission is deeply saddened by this tragic incident and shares in the grief and pain of the affected families at this difficult moment. The Commission is also concerned about the recurrence of boat mishaps despite sustained awareness campaigns, the distribution of life jackets, and other interventions aimed at improving water safety in N-HYPPADEC communities.

While commiserating with the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, traditional institutions, and the people of Benue State, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa (Katukan Yauri), appealed to boat and canoe users to always wear their life jackets, avoid overloading, refrain from night journeys, and abide by safety protocols.

The Managing Director also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and the success of the ongoing rescue operations to locate and identify the missing victims.