The Nigerian Navy Ship, Lugard, says the major cause of the recent boat mishap that claimed dozens of lives in Kogi State was a breach of safety protocol in the waterways.
The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard Lokoja, Commodore Tamuno Senibo, disclosed this during a free medical outreach in Kungbani, under Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His words: “Overloading is a major issue in our waterways. A boat meant for 15 passengers will often carry about 50 passengers. The worst part is that these people are without life jackets, which are paramount for safety on our waterways.
“The failure to adhere to safety protocols is the reason behind the boat mishap that claimed several lives in Kogi.”
He, however, appealed to the appropriate authorities to enforce the use of life jackets and other safety paraphernalia on the waterways.
“We are not just advising. The Nigerian Navy Ship is taking the lead in enforcing the use of safety jackets and more on our waterways. With the support of all stakeholders, I am optimistic we will be able to sensitize the populace on the importance of safety protocols on our waterways,” he added.
Speaking on the free medical outreach, Commodore Senibo noted that it was part of the non-kinetic initiatives of the Navy toward providing security in Kogi State.
According to him: “We believe that winning the minds of the populace remains a priority in terms of security issues. It is not all about carrying weapons and doing what we know how to do. We believe that gaining the support of the populace will definitely enable us to achieve our aims and objectives.
“I don’t want to say it is a corporate social responsibility, but I must say we want to give back to the community with what we also have. We want to present ourselves as not just officers but partners in progress toward the security and safety of our environment.
“That is the major reason the Chief of Naval Staff has directed a strategic guidance to conduct medical outreach. Earlier, we organized educational outreach and other forms of interventions in our host community.”
He stressed that the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Lugard would continue to synergize with other sister security agencies to maintain peace and security in Kogi State.
Bridge of safety protocols behind Kogi boat mishap – Navy
