It was a tragic weekend at Ilaje in Ondo state when a boat mishap claimed one life and 15 narrowly escaped death; this is even as the Nigera Security and Civil Defence Corps Ondo State Command has called on the general public to exercise caution while plying through the water ways.
This was made available to the Newsmen by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Olufemi Omole on Sunday 8th August, 2021.
The Statement reads thus ” the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Ondo State Command, Commandant Hammed Abodunrin has issued out a disaster alert cautioning the Boat or Ferry transporters at the riverine areas of the State to desist from overloading of Passengers and goods which could lead to an unprecedented mishap”
Commandant Hammed cited the recent occurrence at Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State where many were injured and one of the passengers lost his life.
Information has it that the boat in question left Awoye going to Igbokoda market, and that the Engine later failed. It was said that all efforts proved abortive and the wave of the sea took off the boat, leaving one dead while 15 were injured.
The NSCDC boss said the accident would have been averted if the transporter did not overload the Boat and the passengers involved had put on their life Jackets.
While expressing his condolences to the deceased family he relayed that the raining seasons are imminent hence the need to exercise duty of care while sailing on the Sea.
The Command Helmsman said the Ondo Command of the Nigera Security and Civil Defence Corps is fully committed to Safeguarding all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Intelligence gathering, Anti-Vandalism, Disaster Management amongst others.
He further issued a stern warning that any Boat transporter caught in the act of risking the life of innocent citizens by overspeeding and overloading would be arrested and prosecuted under the law.