EMMANUEL KEHINDE, Ilorin
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is also a renowned Philantropist in Kwara State, Doctor Kolo Baba Jiya has called on the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADC) , National Inland Waterways Authority and other authorities concerned to regulate the movement of people at the various waterways accross the country.
Similarly, he stressed the need for the presence of security operatives at the riverine areas particularly areas where the boats ply regularly.
Kolo who is the Haske of Patigi urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of survivors of the Patigi boat mishap and the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
The Philantropist also advised the government to put in place a task force that will regulate the number of passengers each boat carry at a particular trip.
He commended the timely condolence visit of the federal delegation to the families of the victim and their presence and inspection to the scene of the incident.
Kolo also appreciated the physical presence of the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar for their visit and donation of life jackets so as to forestall such future tragic occurence.
The Philantropist commiserated with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi, the families of the victims and the entire people of Patigi over what he described as tragic and unfortunate incident and prayed God to forgive the souls of the departed.
According to reports, there were 106 fatalities in the inferno and 144 were rescued while an emergency team has evacuated the wreckage of the boat.