By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos—The Lagos State Government has directed all boat operators to  keep adequate manifest of all passengers on board for easy identification and record purpose  henceforth.

The state government also advised boat operators to keep regular maintenance of their boats as well as minimizes their speed and avoid over loading, the measures werer to reduce mishaps and subsequent causalities.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Jafar Sanuth, who led a delegation of top government officials to Baiyeku Community on behalf of the state government, disclosed that the ill-fated boat was coming from Oke Ira Nla near Badore-Ajah and was heading to Baiyeku when it capsized.

Sanuth, who was visibly worried by the unfortunate incident, therefore, advised residents of the community on the importance of using safety precautions, especially the use of life jackets while boarding any boat.

In his own remarks, the Executive Secretary, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Taiwo Orenuga, commended the state Government for the prompt response and advised Community Development Associations, CDA, in the area to further educate their members on safety precautions.

One of the survivors, Abdul Rasheed Ibrahim, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, presently on Industrial Training, IT, with a survey firm in the area, said the outboard engine developed fault on their way to Baiyeku before the ill-fated boat ran into fishing nets before it capsized.