Boat mishaps: Kebbi bans night travel by boats, canoe

Three die in boat mishap in Rivers

Kebbi state Governor Atiku Bagudu on Friday issued a standing order to the police, traditional leaders and officials of marine inland waterways banning night travel by boat and canoe.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Muazu, in Birnin Kebbi indicated the ban was announced at Giron Misa village in Shanga local government area.

Muazu said the governor was in the village to condole families of victims of a Canoe accident last Monday that claimed six lives with 12 missing while 50 passengers were rescued

The governor directed security agencies to enforce the ban on night travel by boats and canoe operators along River Niger.

In an interview, the Chairman of Shanga local government area, Alhaji Aminu Arzika, said the ban would be enforced stressing that traders that travel by boat to neighbouring markets would be advised to travel during the daytime.

Last Monday, Feb. 5, two Canoes carrying 68 passengers collided and capsized on River Niger.