About seven people, including children, have died in Zhigiri village of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State after a boat capsized.
The mishap occurred when the villagers were heading to a neighboring village in the hinterland for a naming ceremony around 4pm on Monday.
Among the victims who lost their lives, was a man, two of his wives, and his young son.
In a statement signed by Salis Sabo, the Spokesperson for the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, and made available to reporters on Tuesday, the association blamed the mishap on the on-going construction of a dam.
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“This is one of the social upheaval occasioned by the construction of the dam.”
The statement said that prior to the construction of Zungeru Dam, traveling between these two villages was by land, adding that there was no need to travel by water, as the terrain was majorly dry and motorable.
It appealed to HYPPADEC to rise up to its responsibilities in the area and also put safety measures in place to avert future mishaps.
“We, therefore, call on HYPPADEC to as matter of urgency, respond to this devastating incident and provide safety measures such as life jackets among others to help our people adapt to their new way of life and to also prevent the future occurrence of this ugly incident as done by the commission to the Warra Community of Kebbi State in the recent boat mishap that occurred.”
