The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to send relief materials to families affected by a recent boat accident that claimed five lives in the Nafada River, Gombe State.
The appeal followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents the Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2025, when a boat carrying passengers across the Nafada River capsized, killing five people — four young girls and a boy.
Boat mishaps have become frequent on Nigeria’s waterways, especially in rural areas where safety measures are often ignored. These incidents continue to raise concerns about the lack of regulation and enforcement of maritime safety standards.
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Speaking on the motion, El-Rasheed said the government must take stronger action to prevent future tragedies. “The House is disturbed that unless relevant government agencies intensify their regulatory oversight and enforce strict compliance with maritime safety standards and operational guidelines, these devastating incidents will continue to occur,” he warned.
After adopting the motion, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and sent condolences to their families.
The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to immediately provide relief materials and support to the bereaved families and affected communities.
