By Correspondent in Minna.
A man, Babangida Mua’zu, his two wives and a son were among at least seven persons that lost their lives in a boat mishap in Zhigiri village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state when the boat they were travelling to one of the neighbouring villages capsized.
One of the victims being buried in this video.
Our Correspondent gathered that the incident occurred late Sunday afternoon when the victims were travelling to Dnaweto community,a neighboring village in the hinterland for a naming ceremony.
The Reporters also learnt that movements of goods and services between villagers in Dnaweto and Zhigiri, prior to the construction of Zungeru Dam, was by land or road transportation because the terrain is dry and now motorable after the rains.
Sources told our correspondent that Zungeru dam, which is expected to bring about development to the two villages is now a blessing in disguise as the people are counting on their losses.
Meanwhile, the community has solicited the intervention of the HYPPADEC, Niger state government, well to do individuals and corporate organisations to provide the community with life jackets to avoid further loss of lives.
Salisu M Sabo, Spokesperson, Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA),in a statement on Tuesday, called on the HYPPADEC to as matter of urgency, provide life jackets to help the people adapt to their new way of life and to prevent the future deaths.
The Coalition also wants HYPPADEC to assist the community in providing safety measures similar to Warra Community of Kebbi state with similar boat mishap that claimed several lives.
Our correspondent reports that some corpses were yet to be recovered from the river as at the time of this report.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
