From Muhammad Gazali Garba
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has warned boat operators in Goronyo Local Government Area against overloading, and directed relevant authorities to enforce safety measures to prevent further loss of lives on the state’s waterways.
The Governor gave the warning during a condolence visit to Gorau town in Goronyo LGA following a recent boat mishap that claimed several lives.
Speaking through APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Governor Aliyu said the safety of lives and property remains a top priority of his administration.
He stated that government would not fold its arms and watch innocent lives lost to negligence, and directed relevant agencies to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of passengers on waterways across the state.
Senator Wamakko, who conveyed the Governor’s message, expressed deep sorrow over the mishap and urged bereaved families to take solace in the will of Allah.
He prayed Allah to forgive the departed, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the people, the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, thanked the APC leader and the state government for the visit and concern.
He also appreciated the government’s continued efforts to address security challenges in the area, particularly bandit attacks.
The delegation earlier visited Dinawa village to commiserate with residents over a bandit attack that claimed seven lives and left several others injured.
Other communities visited included Birjingo in Goronyo LGA and Tsamaye in Sabon Birni LGA, where the team condoled with residents over bandit attacks and the death of the APC Chairman in the area, Abdullahi Yarima.
Speaking during the visits, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring safety on waterways and addressing lingering security challenges in affected communities.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, announced the donation of food items and ₦1 million to each of the families of the 65 victims of the boat mishap and bandit attacks.
He said the gesture was aimed at providing immediate relief and demonstrating government’s solidarity with the affected families in their moment of grief.
The condolence visits concluded with special prayers for Allah’s mercy on the departed and for His protection, guidance, and continued support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and APC leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
