Wale JAGUN
-Representatives in Ikorodu division commiserate with victims’ families, communities, assure of safety on waterways
According to sources at the scene of the ferry accident that involved 21 paasengers in Ijede on Saturday, June 29, 2019, 15 bodies have been recovered so far while 3 are still missing.
The ill fated overloaded commercial ferry, which was involved in the accident that occurred mid-sea, was carrying 21 passengers when it was allegedly hit by heavy waves.
The unfortunate incident happened at about 11 pm while the ferry was commuting passengers from Badore to Egbin in Ijede Local Council Development Area in Ikorodu division.
It was learnt that only three people survived the accident.
According to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and eyes witnesses at the scene, the ferry operator breached many regulations which eventually led to the death of many of the passengers.
In a statement released yesterday (Sunday)and signed by Mr Damilola Emmanuel, the General Manager, LASWA, it was stated that the 60″ Hp engine ferry capsized after being hit by waves.
He stated that poor visibility on the part of the captain and non-wearing of life jackets by passengers were responsible for the accident and the large number of deaths and missing persons.
Mr. Emmanuel, who confirmed the incident, said the agency, at about 11:20pm, received a distress call that a 20 capacity unmarked passenger boat with 60″Hp engine capsized after being hit by several waves enroute Egbin jetty in Ijede, Ikorodu, from a landing jetty in Badore Ajah axis of Lagos.
He said that an on the spot investigation carried out by LASWA revealed that the incident was caused by poor visibility on the part of the captain and non wearing of life jackets by passengers.
“Unfortunately, six persons have been confirmed dead and their bodies have been handed to Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA). Three survivors have been identified while search and rescue operations for the missing 11 persons is still ongoing “, Emmanuel said.
He said further that the rescue efforts, which are being carried out by the combined efforts of LASWA, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), Marine Unit of the Nigerian Police Force, SEHMU and other relevant agencies, have led to the recovery of six dead bodies, adding that recovery efforts will continue until those missing have been found.
The LASWA boss also condemned the habits of boat operators in flouting the agency’s order and warned them to desist from operating at night due to the inherent dangers.
He also urged passengers to always ensure that they wear life jackets before embarking on any trip on the waterways and ensure that the jackets are properly worn to prevent loss of lives.
Mr Emmanuel said that the State Government, in conjunction with the Marine Police, will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, adding that the operator of the boat would also be held accountable.
Meanwhile, representatives of Ikorodu division at various levels have sympathised with the families of those that lost their lives in the boat mishap and the community while also they also called on the government to make waterways safer for travelling.
Hon. Babajimi Benson, Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, in a release signed personally, stated that :
“I commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss while hoping the search and rescue mission initiated for the remaining passengers will end on a positive note.
“May I use this medium to reiterate that concerned agencies of government step up surveillance to ensure all operators put necessary safety precautions in place while making use of the waterways.
“To have safer waterways, we all need to apply necessary precautions knowing that life has no duplicate”, he stated.
The Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and representative of Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, in his own reaction, stated that :
“I sympathize with the people of Ijede, and the families of those involved in the boat mishap.
“Investigation has began by appropriate authorities in the state and we are confident that such incidents will be reduced to the bearest minimum if not completely eradicated soon, as the safety of the people of Ikorodu and Lagos State is of paramount importance to this current Administration.
“Once again, I commiserate with the people of Ijede, and Ikorodu division over this heartbreaking incident”.
Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency II,who visited the scene of the incident yesterday, in his own press release, stated that :
“The grief of the incident is beyond expression at this sad moment. I would like to express my deep condolence and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the people involved and the entire people of Ijede – Egbin LCDA.
“I want to use this medium to inform the general public that my presence at the place of the incident earlier today (yesterday) was to ensure that proper investigation is done in order to ensure that such incident never happened again in our Constituency.
“On behalf of myself and the entire good people of Ikorodu constituency II, I pray Almighty God continue to be with the families of the victims, give them the heart to bear the loss and prevent such unfortunate occurrences in our Constituency. Amin”.
In his own message, the former Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye stated:
“I commiserate with the families of the deceased over this tragedy. May God grant theoir families the fortitude to bear the loss” Prince Ogunleye prayed
Hundreds of members of the families of victims involved in the accident as well as residents of the Ijede have continued to besiege the scene of the incident.
