After Informant247 report, Patigi LG chairman begins inspection of ferry ports
…directs compulsory use of life jackets
…orders removal of faulty ferry boats
Coalition launches investigation into life-jacket sales
By Sukari Mohammed
The Chairman of Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State, Hon. Ahmed Rufai Adam II, alongside ten councillors and other officials, began an inspection tour of ferry ports in the riverine areas of the Local Government Area on Friday, 13 December 2024.
The inspection comes just a day after The Informant247 released an investigative report detailing how boat operators are selling life jackets and endangering passengers’ lives on water ways.
During the visit, Hon. Rufai ordered the removal of all boats in poor condition until necessary repairs are made to ensure passenger safety.
He also directed the compulsory use of life jackets, which, according to him, are essential for safety precautions to prevent unexpected accidents.
The Informant247 had, on December 12, published a report, funded by Civic Media Lab, on how boat operators are selling government-issued life jackets and endangering passengers’ lives.
Our correspondent also gathered that a group, the Coalition of Kwara North Group (CKNG), has launched an investigation into the sale of life jackets, as reported in the investigation.
Background
In 2023, a tragic boat accident in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State claimed over 106 lives. In response, the state government distributed 1,000 life jackets to boat owners to prevent future tragedies.
However, findings in the investigation reveal that boat owners are selling these life jackets to motorcycle riders and farmers for non-aquatic uses.
Furthermore, with the state government failing to establish a monitoring body for transport travels as promised by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, passengers remain at risk, leading to another boat accident that claimed at least 42 lives.
