Gov Aliyu Directs Waterway Safety Measures, Supports Families of 65 Victims

Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has warned boat operators in Goronyo Local Government Area against overloading, directing relevant authorities to strictly enforce safety measures on the state’s waterways.

The governor issued the warning during a condolence visit to Gorau community in Goronyo LGA following a boat accident that claimed several lives.

Represented by the APC leader in Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Governor Aliyu said his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

He directed relevant government agencies to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident, stressing that the government would not allow negligence to continue to endanger passengers using the waterways.

Senator Wamakko expressed condolences to the affected families and urged them to accept the incident as the will of Allah. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for Allah to grant their relatives the strength to bear the loss.

Responding on behalf of the people, Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, appreciated the state government and Senator Wamakko for visiting the affected community. He also commended the administration for its efforts to tackle insecurity, particularly banditry in the area.

The delegation also visited Dinawa village, where seven people were killed and others injured in a bandit attack. Similar condolence visits were made to Birjingo in Goronyo LGA and Tsamaye in Sabon Birni LGA, following attacks in the communities and the death of the APC Chairman in the area, Abdullahi Yarima.

Speaking during the visits, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, reiterated the government’s determination to improve waterway safety and intensify efforts to address insecurity in affected communities.

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 intervention was intended to provide immediate support to the bereaved families and reassure them of the government’s solidarity during their period of grief.

The visits ended with prayers for the deceased, as well as prayers for Allah’s continued protection, guidance and support for the Sokoto State Government and its leaders.