The Taraba government has reported that more than 20 bodies have been recovered in the boat mishap that took place in Mayo-Renewo in Ardo-Kola LGA of the state.
The boat capsized on October 28, while it was carrying passengers returning from Mayo-Renewo market.
Initially, 14 deaths were confirmed by the Taraba Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), but the number has since risen.
The mishap was attributed to barricades on the waterways set up by fishermen, and the deputy governor of Taraba has ordered the use of life jackets by passengers and the clearing of barricades on waterways.
“Our visit here is to ensure three principal issues: to stop overloading, to ensure that there will be no more night travelling and the canoes or boats must have passengers manifest so that whatever happens we can easily identify one’s relations,” Alkali said.
“They should also ensure they have life jackets for passengers for protection because not all persons can swim.
“The colossal loss witnessed in the state is regrettable and the government has directed that the barricades be removed within seven days.”